Road to Bamako
Copyright July 2006 Chris MacLean SOCAN

Red dust twirls and dances
Around these tired feet
Only a song and a mother’s prayer
to keep him company

walking alone
far from home and family
There was no food on the table
They said he had to leave.

Whoa ho ho…

Many children weary and ragged
Walk this road
Humble hopes on parade
All are bound for Bamako.

Motorcycles, donkey carts
and buses pass them by
Small bodies swaying, hands waving
Silhouettes in the dusty light.

The sweet smell of home fires
Fills the city sky
She welcomes the children, every pilgrim
Embraced in arms stretched wide.

Eyes full of dreams and hunger
For life in this new home
My little sister, little brother
Welcome to Bamako.

You will have enough to eat
Go to school shoes on your feet
Home in Bamako.

You will have enough to eat
(Inshallah) Go to school shoes on your feet
Home in Bamako.

*Repeat the chorus many times