Isa Lei recording

Our appreciation to Joan Herrington who provided this rare recording of the Fijian farewell song. It was taped from Fiji Radio in 1957 by Bob Gaskin who worked for Joan's dad. The choir is that of the Centenary Methodist Church with choirmaster Josua Rabukawaqa (later Sir Josua). Unfortunately, the first two words at the beginning "Isa isa" were omitted. Nevetheless,it is wonderful memento for those of us who lived thru that era. The singing of Isa Lei and the playing of the National Anthem always ended the broadcast. As Fiji in 1957 was still a British Colony the National Anthem was "God Save Our Gracious Queen". - By kind permission of Kaivitikoro Website.

You may also download it direct to your pc by clicking here.

Isa isa vulagi lasa dina
Nomu lako au na rarawa kina
Cava beka ko a mai cakava
Nomu lako au na sega ni lasa.

CHORUS

Isa lei, na noqu rarawa
Ni ko sana vodo e na mataka
Bau nanuma, na nodatou lasa
Mai Suva nanuma tiko ga.

Vanua rogo na nomuni vanua
Kena ca ni levu tu na ua
Lomaqu voli me'u bau butuka
Tovolea ke balavu na bula

Domoni dina na nomu yanuyanu
Kena kau wale na salusalu
Mocelolo, bua, na kukuwatu
Lagakali, maba na rosi damu.

Isa, Isa you are my only treasure
Must you leave me, so lonely and forsaken?
As the roses will miss the sun at dawning,
Every moment my heart for you is yearning

CHORUS

Isa Lei, the purple shadow falling,
Sad the morrow will dawn upon my sorrow;
O forget not, when you're far away,
Precious moments at Suva Bay

Isa, Isa my heart was filled with pleasure,
From the moment I heard your tender greeting;
Mid the sunshine, we spent the hours together,
Now so swiftly those happy hours are fleeting

O'er the ocean your island home is calling,
Happy country where roses bloom in splendour;
O if I could but journey there beside you
Then forever my heart would sing in rapture.

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