Ageless Words Friday: “Gebed” by Koos du Plessis

Although this week’s “Ageless Words” are only a few decades old; I do believe these lyrics to be “ageless”. It is written in Afrikaans by one of my favourite songwriters; Koos du Plessis. Born on 10 May 1945 as Jacobus Johannes du Plessis, Koos started writing songs during his tertiary studies. Some of his best known and loved songs are “Kinders van die wind” (“Children of the wind”) and “Sprokie vir ’n stadskind” (translated as “The neon rainbow” by Koos himself). He also wrote one of my favourite Christmas songs, “Somerkersfees” (“Summer Christmas”)  This week, however, I bring you “Gebed” (“Prayer”) – one of my favourite songs. The English translation[1] can be found below the Afrikaans lyrics, as well as a recording of the song.

Koos du Plessis (1945-1984)

Gebed

Laat my nooit die grond verlaat nie.
Laat my in U skadu bly.
Gee dat elke aardse vreugde en vrees,
eindelik nietig word vir my.
Elke afdraai paadjie ken ek.
Elke keer het ek verdwaal.
Elke keer het u my iewers kom haal.
Maak dit Heer, die laaste maal.
Elke dag is ’n gedagte.
Elke kamer net gehuur.
Elke aardse droom van rykdom en roem,
net ’n skadu teen die muur.
Wat ek is, is net genade.
Wat ek het, is net geleen.
Eindelik smag ek na U waters van rus.
Lei my, Heer, vanaand daarheen.

Prayer

Let me never leave the ground.

Let me stay in Your shadow.

Grant that every earthly joy and fear

at last become insignificant to me.

All the branching paths I know.

Every time I lost my way.

Every time You came to collect me somewhere.

Make it, Lord, the last time.

Every day is a thought.

Every room only let.

Every earthly dream of wealth and fame

but a shadow on the wall.

What I am is only mercy.

What I have is only borrowed.

At last I yearn for Your waters of rest.

Lead me, Lord, there tonight.

[1] This translation was done by me.