The light is both a promise and a sign
All around the village, I could hear the roosters crowing
With one who will be our brother
In the darkness, we have lost the son of our sister
I pray for rain to wash away their tears
Is it not the sun that gives the seasons?
Though the beauty of his spirit lingers still
This was a child of love, a child of laughter
African sunrise, light of a brand new way
African sunrise, smile on my African home
In this hour of quiet contemplation
African sunrise, light of a brand new day
There was a time it was like music to my ears
Is it not the sun that brings the rain?
Our song will not be silenced by the pain
I face the day with heartfelt exaltation
Show us forever beginning to stand on our own
Who cannot understand the way that I feel
Give us a beautiful morning
Our throats are choked with dust but we’re still singing
The stillness of the dawning calms my mind
African sunrise, smile on my African home
Now, all I can hear is the sound of hungry babies crying
African sunrise, smile on my African home
And one who will be our partner and teach us to know
