The lullaby was recorded by ethnomusicologist Hugo Zemp in Fulinui in 1969. The song is called Rorogwela and is sung by Afunakwa.
The lullaby is about a young child crying because his parents are not around. In response his older brother sings this song to comfort, as well as tell him the reality, with an appeal for his deceased parents to protect this child in the land of the living (local ancient belief is that the dead care for loved ones they left behind).
Celsus Eloga Talifilu and his relatives helped to transcribe and translate the lyrics of this lullaby. Celsus is son of Saverio Talifilu who was the Baegu headsman that organized the recording session with Hugo Zemp.
Sweet Lullaby 1
Deep Forest Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
O angi si nau boroi amu
Ni ma oe e fasi korona
Dolali dasa na, lao dai afuimae
Afuta guau mauri, Afuta wela inomae
Sasi sasi ae o angisi nau
Boroi nima oe e fasi koro na
Afuta guau mauri, Afuta wela inomae
The lyrics to Deep Forest's song Sweet Lullaby are in a language spoken by the people of the Solomon Islands, called Rapa Nui. The song is about a mother caring for her child and singing a sweet lullaby to help them fall asleep. The opening verse, "Sasi sasi o to aro aro, O angi si nau boroi amu" can be interpreted as the mother gently rocking her child as she sings.
Throughout the song, the mother sings of the beauty of her surroundings, referring to the ocean and the stars. She also mentions the importance of tradition and connecting with her ancestors, "Ni ma oe e fasi korona." The song has a peaceful and calming tone, perfect for helping a child fall asleep.
Overall, Sweet Lullaby is a beautiful reminder of the importance of love and tradition, and the power of music to connect us to our roots and soothe our souls.
Line by Line Meaning
Sasi sasi o to aro aro
Softly, softly, the wind whispers
O angi si nau boroi amu
Carrying the voices of ancestors past
Ni ma oe e fasi korona
Through the forest and beyond the hills
Dolali dasa na, lao dai afuimae
The world is still and quiet, the night is deep
Afuta guau mauri, Afuta wela inomae
Dream of peace, dream of love
Sasi sasi ae o angisi nau
Softly, softly, the wind carries
Boroi nima oe e fasi koro na
Voices from afar, through the hills and over the horizon
Dolali dasa na, lao dai afuimae
The night is still and the world is calm
Afuta guau mauri, Afuta wela inomae
Dream of peace, dream of love
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ERIC MOUQUET, MICHEL SANCHEZ
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind