Few men tried to stem the tide
 

Of captive African souls 


Many said “It can’t be done— 

There’s nothing we can do." 

Chances came and passed them by
 

Yet long ago one man tried

 

 

To break the chains his nation placed
 

On the children of another race
 

He gave so much to set them free
 

This lover of humanity
 

And though a heavy price was paid
 

His love burned in a constant flame 


In spending himself he became
 

The friend of Africa

 

 

Through all the years of struggle and tears
 

He fought that others could know
 

Africa’s cry for freedom 


He did all that he could do
 

Many years passed him by
 

Yet still he believed and still he tried

 

 

(tunakushukuru)
 

What better thing could this man do 

Than to give himself for his friends?

 

Tunakushukuru rafiki ya Afrika