From Nigeria: Oluronbi

Nigerian Language Songs for Babies and Children

Oluronbi*

Oluronbi je je ewure (Oluronbi promised to offer a goat)
Ewure, ewure (Goat, goat)
Oluronbi je je aguntan (Oluronbi promised to offer a ram)
Agutan wolojo (A fleshy, beautiful ram)
Oluronbi je je omo re (Oluronbi promised to offer her child)
Omo re apon bi epo (Her child who is light skinned, beautiful like palm oil)
Oluronbi O! (Oluronbi O!)
Joun Joun (joun, joun, has no meaning)
Iroko (Majestic iroko tree, the king of trees)
Joun joun (joun, joun, has no meaning)
Oluronbi O! (Oluronbi O!)
Joun Joun (joun, joun, has no meaning)
Iroko (Majestic iroko tree, the king of trees)
Joun joun (joun, joun, has no meaning)

*Oluronbi is a song that accompanies a story about a woman, Oluronbi, who is unable to have children. In her desperation, she went to the Iroko tree to ask it for a child. In return, she promised the Iroko tree goats, rams, and finally the child as well. Her wishes were granted. And, now, she loves the child and is unwilling to give it to the Iroko tree as she promised.

Moral of the story: Never compromise your interests even when you are desperate. Never do a deal with the devil, you will never win.