"" is a traditional Fijian farewell song.
The origin of this song is disputed. One versions holds that Turaga Bale na Tu'i Nayau, Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba composed it[1] in 1916 for Adi Litia Tavanavanua (1900–1983), when she visited Tubou, Lakeba, in 1916.[2] The Fiji Museum holds Uluilakeba's manuscript, but according to its description he composed the song in 1918 while he was in training as a civil servant in Suva.[3] Tevita Uluilakeba was the father of Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, founding father of the modern nation of Fiji.
Alternatively, "Isa Lei" is the Fijian version of a Tongan love song ("") used to court the then Princess Salote (later Sālote Tupou III).[4] [5] It was written in 1915 and was heard by a visiting Fijian sergeant. From there, the Fijians adopted it to a farewell song, but they kept the Tongan melody.[6] [7]
Lieutenant A. W. Caten, a bandmaster from the Fijian Defence Forces, created a foxtrot arrangement in 1932;[8] he is often credited in modern recordings of the song, including in versions by The Seekers, and Ry Cooder and V. M. Bhatt on their album A Meeting by the River. It was regularly performed by Fijian singer Sakiusa Bulicokocoko.
global =
verseA = \lyricmode verseB = \lyricmode
verseC = \lyricmode
sopranoVoice = \relative c'
right = \relative c' left = \relative c
sopranoVoicePart = \new Staff \with \addlyrics \addlyrics
pianoPart = \new PianoStaff << \new Staff = "right" \with \right \new Staff = "left" >>
\score \score Source:[9]
ChorusIsa Lei na noqu rarawa,Ni ko sa na vodo ena matakaBau nanuma tiko ga,Mai Suva, nanuma tiko ga.
Vanua rogo na nomuni VanuaKena ca ni levu tu na uaLomaqu voli me'u bau butukaTovolea ke balavu na bula.
(Chorus)
Vanua rogo na nomu yanuyanuKena kau wale na Salusalu,Mocelolo, Bua, na Kukuwalu,Lagakali, baba na rosi damu.
(Chorus)[10]
ChorusIsa Lei, 'tis my great sorrowThat you will sail away to-morrow.Forget not, when you are awayOur happy hours in Suva Bay.
Your country now is so well known,That were it not for heavy seasI'd wish, to me it might be shownCould I but have long life of ease..
(Chorus)
Yes! your isle-home is so well known,Flowers for wreaths its woods enclose;Morecelolo, Bua and the Lagakali, grownOn hillsides, too, the sweet rose.
(Chorus)
ChorusOh, such sadness! I will feel so forlornWhen you sail away tomorrow.Please remember the joy we sharedIn Suva, you will always be remembered.
Your country is so well knownIf the seas weren't so roughI'd wish to brave themAnd live out a long life there.
(Chorus)
Your island is indeed much envied,Garlanded with forestsOf mocelolo, bua, kukuwaluThe scented lagakali, and surrounding all, red roses.
(Chorus)[11]
Ake mai pe va'a he peau,Toko faingata'a ene ha'u,Ka neongo si'i lupe ni kuo 'alu,Ho sino na te u fua pe 'eau.
ChorusFakapo he kohai te ne lava,'E te manatua 'ae 'ofa'anga,Ne ngangatu mai o alaha,Feluteni si 'eku 'ofa ta'engata.
Those branches reaches through the waves,Though difficult and laborious thou attempt,But lo! the lovebird (dove) will now depart,Your body's image will be a burden of my heart.
ChorusOh no! Who can endure?The memories of whom I love,She is my perfume and the fragrance of my life,The catalyst for my eternal love.
NotesReferences