# Isa Lei

"Isa Lei" is a traditional Fijian farewell song.

## Origin

The origin of this song is disputed. One versions holds that Turaga Bale na Tu'i Nayau, Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba composed it in 1916 for Adi Litia Tavanavanua (1900–1983), when she visited Tubou, Lakeba, in 1916. 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. 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 ("Ise Isa viola lose hina") used to court the then Princess Salote (later Sālote Tupou III). 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.
Lieutenant A. W. Caten, a bandmaster from the Fijian Defence Forces, created a foxtrot arrangement in 1932; 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.

## Melody

Source:

## Fijian

Isa! Isa! vulagi lasa dina Nomu lako au rarawa kina A'cava beka ko a mai cakava? Na nomu lako, au na sega ni lasa.
Chorus Isa Lei na noqu rarawa, Ni ko sa na vodo ena mataka Bau nanuma tiko ga, 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.
(Chorus)
Vanua rogo na nomu yanuyanu Kena kau wale na Salusalu, Mocelolo, Bua, na Kukuwalu, Lagakali, baba na rosi damu.
(Chorus)
Poetic English translation Isa! Isa! happy visitor indeed, Sad shall I be when you are gone; You came—I wonder what you need? Your going leaves me quite forlorn.
Chorus Isa Lei, 'tis my great sorrow That you will sail away to-morrow. Forget not, when you are away Our happy hours in Suva Bay.
Your country now is so well known, That were it not for heavy seas I'd wish, to me it might be shown Could 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, grown On hillsides, too, the sweet rose.
(Chorus)
Literal English translation Alas, alas, most welcome guest Your going fills me with sorrow Whatever the reason you came, I feel bereft at your leaving.
Chorus Oh, such sadness! I will feel so forlorn When you sail away tomorrow. Please remember the joy we shared In Suva, you will always be remembered.
Your country is so well known If the seas weren't so rough I'd wish to brave them And live out a long life there.
(Chorus)
Your island is indeed much envied, Garlanded with forests Of mocelolo, bua, kukuwalu The scented lagakali, and surrounding all, red roses.
(Chorus)

## Tongan text

Si'i lile, viola lose hina, Fisimoto matala he lilifa, Isa ete nofo 'l he toafa, To'eloto tangi 'l he potulala.
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.
Chorus Fakapo he kohai te ne lava, 'E te manatua 'ae 'ofa'anga, Ne ngangatu mai o alaha, Feluteni si 'eku 'ofa ta'engata.
Oh my! those viola white roses, Blooming flowers from yonder, howbeit, I live in a desert, With the aching heart of loneliness, Crying from desolate.
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.
Chorus Oh 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.