Fare Thee Well, Madiba Page 2

You gave us that, Grand Warrior You conquered my anger and my bitterness You conquered my vengeance, Madiba You showed the World the way, Madiba And forged a great nation, the Rainbow Nation I was there with the happy multitudes Yet now I must accept the dictates of life The dictates of humanity, of who we are You leave us a strong Nation, South Africa Where we had lived like unwelcome strangers We are now the proud owners and shapers Of our collective destiny and inheritance I know and we all know that your life Great Son of Hendry and Nosekeni Descendant of King Ngubengcuka I say we now know without a doubt That your life had a great purpose And your departure a great legacy How does one mourn a hero of your stature? How does one mourn a great statesman? How does one mourn a Grand Warrior? Except to say you were posted to Azania That we may see the light and be free And are now en route to another front? Go well, my brother, Great Son of Africa We shall never forget, brother mine, Carne da mesma carne, sim, Your call for peaceful coexistence For we know, my brother, yes, we know We are in the same South Africa boat. I want you to know, Madiba, my Brother, As you embark on your final journey That millions are distraught to see you go And that of all those, I am the most distraught. May your legacy endure throughout the ages! Goodbye, symbol of our freedom, adeus.