Youssou N'dour

Mariama (The Turtle Dove)

Youssou N'dour


Ah little pigeon 
Thank you Mariama Diallo, Diallo Dieri 
Nimma Mariama 
Mariama, namesake of Mariama the golden pigeon 
Mariama Sola 
Mariama the perfect mother 
Mariama the ideal woman 
Mariama a true sister 
Turtle Dove, Mariama Diallo Dieri 
Mariama, a real beauty 
Mariama's neck is long and graceful 
Mariama's countenance is beautiful 
Mariama smile a little 
And I will reward you 
Look! you are the moon among the stars 
Look! you are a light in the darkness 
My turtle dove 
You stand out from the other women 
Like a white crested heron among birds 
Ah my turtle dove 
Thank you, Diallo Dieri 
She doesn't tease 
She bears no ill will 
Nor even hints at it 
Diallo the Peul 
Yes Mariama Diallo Dieri Nimma 
Dark as ebony 
Daughter of God 
Diallo Dieri 
Mariama looks after her family so well 
Mariama cares for all her husband's needs 
Oh Mariama 
It's time now to see to your neighbors 
For you are well known for that 
Diallo Dieri 
Mariama the perfect mother 
Mariama the ideal woman