Baayo (the Orphan)

If God could turn me into a pigeon

A golden pigeon or a turtle dove

I could fly to my homeland

At Douwayra

Back home where my folks are

If God could give me everything I wish for

Long life, happiness and prosperity

Then I would live always beside

Those who are dear to me

My parents and my friends

While I was in France

Learning more about art and life

One terrible phone call

Summoned me home

Where I found

My mother was already dead and buried

Orphan, Orphan, Orphan

Mama, Mama, Mama, my darling mother

Papa, Papa, Papa, my dear father

Oh Mother most kind

Oh Father full of pity

What sadness when they go

How sacred is the family

Mama, Mama, Mama Aissata

Samba Boubou Yacine Wade

Mother of Fatou, mother of Mama

Mother of Laye Malle and of Chillo

Of Ndeye Khar and of Ndeye Gaye

Of Hameth Malle and Baaba Baidy Baaba Debbo

Ah Mama Aissata Khar Sano Saar and Nar Sarr

Ah Aissata Samba Boubou Yacine

Ah Mama!