Mr Tembo
Mr Tembo

Damon Albarn - Mr Tembo Lyrics

This heartfelt tune spins the tale of Mr. Tembo, a character who seems to be navigating life's ups and downs with a sense of determination and resilience. The lyrics suggest that Mr. Tembo's journey is not going as planned, emphasizing life's unpredictability… Read more

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Apr 25, 2014
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Mr Tembo Music Video

Mr Tembo Lyrics

Injili, Injili
Can I sing with you
'Bout Mr. Tembo and what he's got to do
But first I'm going back
To the Colworth Road
To find the mission
And help him with his luck

Mr. Tembo is on his way up the hill
With only this song to tell you how he feels
But to get there he will need a helping hand
It's where he is now but it wasn't what he planned
It's where he is now but it wasn't what he planned

Injili, Injili
We will sing with you
Just like the T.V
In Mr. Tembo's room
Off the emphatic night
He checked in on his own
At Mkombozi Inn and
Made it his home

Mr. Tembo is on his way up the hill
With only this song to tell you how he feels
But to get there he will need a helping hand
It's where he is now but it wasn't what he planned
It's where he is now but it wasn't what he planned

Injili, Injili
We will sing to you
'Bout Mr. Tembo
And what he's going through
Gets up early
While you are still in bed
Mr. Tembo, green blanket by his head

Mr. Tembo is on his way up the hill
With only this song to tell you how he feels
But to get there he will need a helping hand
It's where he is now but it wasn't what he planned
It's where he is now but it wasn't what he planned

Hey, you keep those lions off the front of the boat!
Good god, man! Have you some cotton in your ears?!
I'm trying to run this expedition in a decent manner!

The 264 is gulf, bungalow, stiles, canals, cows, haybells
Telegraph wires, pylon power
Farmhouse over chimneys still used
Stone, satellites, football pitches, fading flags, and lots of dogs
Neon cross on top of a block of flats on a church, not as usual

Mr. Tembo is on his way up the hill
With only this song to tell you how he feels
But to get there he will need a helping hand
It's where he is now but it wasn't what he planned
It's where he is now but it wasn't what he planned

Writer(s): DAMON ALBARN, RICHARD RUSSELL
Copyright(s): Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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What is the Meaning of Mr Tembo?

This heartfelt tune spins the tale of Mr. Tembo, a character who seems to be navigating life's ups and downs with a sense of determination and resilience. The lyrics suggest that Mr. Tembo's journey is not going as planned, emphasizing life's unpredictability and the importance of adaptability. The song also underscores the need for community and assistance in overcoming challenges, as suggested by the repeated plea for a "helping hand." Furthermore, it paints a vivid picture of Mr. Tembo's surroundings, adding depth to his story and evoking empathy from listeners. Overall, this song beautifully captures the essence of human struggle and perseverance in the face of adversity.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Who is Mr. Tembo in the song by Damon Albarn?

    Mr. Tembo is an actual baby elephant that Damon Albarn encountered while visiting a national park in Mkomazi, Tanzania. The elephant had been recently orphaned and was taken in by the people Albarn knew there. Inspired by this encounter, Albarn wrote the song as a tribute to the little elephant.

  2. What inspired the inclusion of The Leytonstone City Mission Choir in 'Mr Tembo'?

    Damon Albarn chose to include The Leytonstone City Mission Choir in 'Mr Tembo' because of his childhood memories associated with their singing at a Pentecostal Church near his home in Leytonstone. He felt that their gospel sound would add a significant element to the track, enhancing its emotional impact.

  3. Why did Damon Albarn use a sample from Lord Buckley's 'Lions' in 'Mr Tembo'?

    'Lions', a track from Lord Buckley's 1959 album 'Way Out Humor', features prominently as a sample in 'Mr Tembo'. This choice adds a unique, humorous touch to the song, aligning with its light-hearted and whimsical nature while also contributing to its musical depth.

  4. How did Mr. Tembo react when he first heard the song?

    According to Damon Albarn, when he sang 'Mr Tembo' to the baby elephant for whom it was named, the animal had quite an unexpected reaction: it defecated. This reaction was attributed to it being young and still on milk, leading to white elephant baby poo.

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