Over the hills of Zimbabwe the drums ring wild and free
Like the beating heart of that mighty land in dreams they come to me

Oh, how I long to hear the wild karanga drums
Over the treetops where the crystal river runs
Sweet was the first love like the first rain of the season
I met her in a forest
By the river

Karanga drums, karanga drums lead me to those loving arms
Take me with you on your fleeting way
Karanga drums, karanga drums long before the morning comes
Karanga drums please carry me away

Oh, how I long to hear the wild karanga drums
Over the hills that hide a million setting suns
Sad is the parting like a day of days it's dying
We parted on a hilltop
In the sunset

Karanga drums, karanga drums lead me to those loving arms
Take me with you on your fleeting way
Karanga drums, karanga drums long before the morning comes
Karanga drums please carry me away

Oh, how I long to hear the wild karanga drums
Over the valley where the golden daybreak comes
Sweet is the greeting like the first bird of the morning
I'll find her in the valley in the sunrise

Karanga drums, karanga drums lead me to those loving arms
Take me with you on your fleeting way
Karanga drums, karanga drums long before the morning comes
Karanga drums please carry me away