
“Oshun” by Colette Renee – copyright 2017
Please enjoy the lyrics to this very special song. You may listen to the song using the player at the end of this post.
Ore yeye o
Ore yeye o oooh
The master’s dogs are behind me I call you Oshun, Oshun.
My feet have left my path bloody I need you Oshun, Oshun.
Oshun, the stripes that come from the lash have made me forget my own name.
Oshun, help me remember your call so that I can get to freedom.
They left my brother in Cuba, a foreign land. Oh, how I long for his face.
My mother’s chains are in Santo Domingo and I may never see her again.
Oshun, I lost the crown of my father and I was the next in line.
Oshun, please open up your sweet waters I hear the master behind.
Ore yeye o Ore yeye o Ore yeye o Ore yeye o
There is a river before me, I call you Oshun, Oshun.
The moon is full as I call you, I remember your name, but barely Oshun.
Oshun, the wife of Shango and sister wife of Oya the wind.
Oshun, please stretch your arms before me and welcome me once again.
I have forgotten your honor in the midst of the pain here it takes all my strength to survive.
Last year I lost both my daughters.
I don’t even know if my babies are alive.
Oshun, please help me to recall your greeting and open your arms.
Oshun, the bearded lady, but wait, I hear the call of the owl!
Ore yeye o Ore yeye o Ore yeye o Ore yeye o Ore yeye o Ore yeye o Ore yeye o Ore yeye o