Eii, papa oh
Your love was tough but true
When I was young I didn't understand, bodientse olé?
Why papa's voice was firm, his guiding hand
He said "chale, life no go easy for you"
"So learn discipline, make it carry you through"
Every cane stroke taught me something real
Every "no" he gave made my vision clear, ei!
He pushed me hard when I wanted to slack
Now I see the wisdom, I'm never turning back
Papa's hands were rough but they built me strong
Papa's words were tough but they weren't wrong, yoo!
Every lesson learned, every tear I cried
Made me the man I am with honor and pride
Oh papa, medaboshie for your love so true
Everything I am, I owe it all to you, chale!
He woke me up at dawn, "Go hustle, my son"
"In this world nobody gives you nothing, oyiwa!"
While other kids were playing in the street
I was learning trades, standing on my feet, ah ah!
He taught me respect, how to greet my elders
How to save my money, build my own shelter
Sometimes his love felt like fire and stone
But now I'm grown and I can stand alone, wonim?
Papa's hands were rough but they built me strong
Papa's words were tough but they weren't wrong, yoo!
Every lesson learned, every tear I cried
Made me the man I am with honor and pride
Oh papa, medaboshie for your love so true
Everything I am, I owe it all to you, chale!
Now I raise my own with that same tough love
Thank you papa, you're watching from above
Eii, your legacy lives on