The lyrics are from the Solomon Islands (small islands north of Australia).
(Baegu) Sasi sasi ae ko taro taro amu Ko agi agi boroi tika oli oe lau Tika gwao oe lau koro inomaena I dai tabesau I tebetai nau mouri Tabe ta wane initoa te ai rofia
Sasi sasi ae kwa dao mata ole Rowelae e lea kwa dao mata biru I dai tabesau I tebetai nau mouri
Sasi sasi ae ko taro taro amu Ko agi agi boroi tika oli oe lau Tika gwao oe lau koro inomaena I dai tabesau I tebetai nau mouri (repeat x 3)
English version:
Little brother, little brother, stop crying, stop crying Though you are crying and crying, who else will carry you Who else will groom you, both of us are now orphans From the island of the dead, their spirit will continue to look after us Just like royalty, taken care of with all the wisdom of such a place
Little brother, little brother even in the gardens This lullaby continues to the different divisions of the garden, From the island of the dead, their spirit will continue to look after us
Little brother, little brother, stop crying, stop crying Though you are crying and crying, who else will carry you Who else will groom you, both of us are now orphans From the island of the dead, their spirit will continue to look after us Interpreting the Song:
The Baegu lullaby heard in Sweet Lullaby is from Northern Malaita (Solomon Islands) recorded by ethnomusicologist Hugo Zemp. 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).