(Sung in Swahili – A Hymn) — See Notes below

U mwendo gani nyumbani? (How Far from Home?)
Mlinzi akanijibu (The watchman spake)
“Usiku sasa waisha (“The long, dark night is almost gone)
Macheo karibu (The morning soon will brea.)
Usihuzunike tena (Then weep no more)
Bali ulemee mwendo (But speed thy flight)
Hata ushike ufalme (Till thou shalt reach the realms of light)
Kule mwangani juu (In everlasting day)
Na tena niliuliza (I asked again)
Nchi yote ikajibu (The earth with one voice, made reply)
“Sasa mwendo watimia (“Time’s wasting sands are nearly run)
Milele karibu (Eternity is nigh)
Usihuzunike tena (Then weep no more)
Ishara kuu zasonga (Portentous sights are thick’ning round)
Na viumbe vyangojea (The whole creation, waiting, groans)
Sauti ya Bwana (To hear the trumpet sound)

Nikamuuliza shujaa (I asked the warrior on the field)
Ndivyo kanitia moyo (This was his soul-inspiring song)
“Shikilia mapigano (“With courage bold, the sword I’ll wield)
Kitambo yaisha (The battle is not long)
Usihuzinike tena (Then weep no more)
Kazi ifanywe kwa moyo ( But well endure the conflict)
Tumeahidiwa na tunu (For this we know, the prize is sure,)
Tuishaposhinda” (When victory is won.”)

Siyo mbali na nyumbani (Not far from home! )
Fikara tamu njiani (O blessed thought!)
Latupoza roho nalo (The trav’ler’s lonely heart to cheer)
Lafuta machozi (Which dried the mourner’s tear )
Usihuzunike tena (Then weep no more)
Kitambo tutakutana (Since we shall meet)
Wenye furaha kamili (Our joys complete)
Nyumbani mwa Baba (Safe in our Father’s home)

Usihuzunike tena(Then weep no more)
Kitambo tutakutana (Since we shall meet)
Wenye furaha kamili(Our joys complete)
Nyumbani mwa Baba (Safe in our Father’s home)

Notes:
The English Hymn was modified to match the Swahili translation.
Original Hymn Lyrics by Annie Rebekah Smith (1853)

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