Archive entry · NB-0008
Children of the parted Nile
Nubian Beats
Cinematic · 3:30 · 90 BPM
Description
This is the story of Gipir and Labongo. The two brothers who had a disgreement that led to the migration of the Acholi people from South Sudan to all over East Africa.
Lyrics
[Intro] The river runs deep, the river runs wide Two brothers stood on either side One held a spear, the other a dream But love got lost in the in-between [Verse 1] Labongo the elder, proud and wise Lost the spear that touched the skies He called on Gipir, his brother true “Bring it back, our fate’s on you” Through forest dark, through desert dry Gipir chased the elephant's cry He brought the spear and tales so grand But found no joy in Labongo’s hand [Chorus] 🎶 Oh, when blood turns cold and hearts divide A river flows where pain can’t hide From one root came two names to file We are the children of the parted Nile 🎶 [Verse 2] Gipir’s heart began to burn For envy was Labongo’s return Then came the bead, the bitter blow A child in play, the tale would grow “She must pass it,” Gipir said A test so cruel, a path of dread The bond broke sharp, no words could mend A family torn that couldn’t bend [Chorus] 🎶 Oh, when blood turns cold and hearts divide A river flows where pain can’t hide From one root came two names to file We are the children of the parted Nile 🎶 [Bridge] Walk west, walk east, the winds still sigh Where brothers once stood eye to eye The drums remember, the elders know How pain can shape the seeds we sow [Final Chorus – Slower, powerful] 🎶 Oh, when blood turns cold and hearts divide A river flows where pain can’t hide From one root came two names to file We are the children of the parted Nile 🎶 [Outro – fade out] Still we dance and still we pray For peace to light the ancient way Though rivers part and years go by We are the children of the parted Nile