(Soft ambient pad swell)
(Whispered) Qhawe... my rock.
Eleven years, you were the only one who stayed.
Twenty-twenty, the world turned cold and grey
My own blood, my brothers, they turned away
All I had left was the ghost of Wanda’s smile
I was walking through fire for every single mile
I felt like giving up, letting go of the thread
With all the heavy voices spinning inside my head.
But you were there, Qhawe, you were my light
My anchor in the middle of that endless night
Father to Hlalu, father to S'bane too
I am still standing because I had you
Eleven years of grace, through the hunger and pain
You were the sunshine after all of the rain.
We lost our jobs, the cupboards were so bare
Just a ten rand note, but a love beyond compare
Onions and tomatoes, a pot of rice to share
Eating for two days, but you were always there
When the family turned their backs and left me in the dust
You were the only heart in which I dared to trust.
But you were there, Qhawe, you were my light
My anchor in the middle of that endless night
Father to Hlalu, father to S'bane too
I am still standing because I had you
Eleven years of grace, through the hunger and pain
You were the sunshine after all of the rain.
I remember the tears, I remember the fear
But you whispered gently that you were always near
No family left, but in you, I found home
With my king by my side, I’m never alone.
Wanda is watching from the stars up above
He knows you kept me safe with this unconditional love
My children, my partner, my beautiful life
You pulled me from the storm, you quieted the strife.
But you were there, Qhawe, you were my light
My anchor in the middle of that endless night
Father to Hlalu, father to S'bane too
I am still standing because I had you
Eleven years of grace, through the hunger and pain
You were the sunshine after all of the rain.
(Achey, gentle vocals)
Eleven years, my Qhawe.
Thank you for choosing me.
Always my anchor...
(Fade out with soft piano notes)