Isa Lei - The Fijian Farewell Song with English Translation and English Version

[@robertharrison8478]

I learned this beautiful song while serving in Malaya. I made a wonderful Fijian friend by the name of Equate Quasevacatini who taught me this wonderful song of farewell. He was killed after I left Malaya by the Bandits. It has been some years since I was demobbed but the song is still as strong as ever in my mind.

[@PhilBaileyChannel]

Hello Robert. Thank you for sharing the story of your friend. How very sad that he lost his life. It is nice, however, that he taught you Isa Lei and that the song reminds you of your friendship with him. Did your friend ever sing the Fijian welcome song, Bula Maleya, which was written by the Fijian troops while they served in Malaya? I also made a video translation of that song. I would be grateful if you wanted to comment on it. Link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJ_VpXSNq71_fbs

[@LeonSandoval]

Thanks... I just cried my eyes out. 😭 Just three days ago I arrived back home from Fiji and clearly, my heart is still there. Thank you for putting this together with the explanation.

[@PhilBaileyChannel]

Thank you for the great feedback Leon. Sorry that my video made you cry! 😉 I miss Fiji too.

[@MrRounz]

Bula Mr Leaon ....thank you for visiting our shores ..from Fiji

[@misunyi2329]

We came back from Fiji today. We are mumbling "Bula"

[@dclate62]

I lived in Fiji for 2 and a half years. Isa Lei is one of the most 'powerful' songs i know. It's is so full of passion and emotion. It brings tears to my eyes everytime i hear it. It is 'one of a kind'....!

[@PhilBaileyChannel]

It sure is! Thank you for your comment dclate62.

[@kilamatuatoaisi3927]

I'm a 12 year old born in Fiji and this just made me cry...o au vatakei orotou na noqu taciku e sa tagi tiko qo!♥♥♥♥♥♥

[@PhilBaileyChannel]

Bula Kilamatua. I'm sorry that my video made you cry. I certainly understand why people react to the song with strong emotions. Are you still living in Fiji or are you somewhere else now? Vinaka for your lovely comment.

[@kilamatuatoaisi3927]

Phil Bailey I'm living in Pennsylvania now

[@PhilBaileyChannel]

@@kilamatuatoaisi3927 Well, Pennsylvania sure is different from Fiji! I hope that you will have some chances to go back and visit Fiji in the future.

[@DannyShaw3388]

I have listened to this song many times without knowing the meaning of what they sing. I love the melody but surely everyone can feel the sadness in the tone. Thank you for translating it for us.

[@PhilBaileyChannel]

You're most welcome. It was my pleasure to bring attention to this lovely song and its meaning.

[@DarkHorseDaze]

OMG, these lyrics are so true in my heart! I was in Fiji in 1974-1976, when I was 12-14yrs of age. It broke my heart to leave and unfortunately I have never been able to afford to go back for even a visit. I still dream of going back! Fiji will never leave my heart :-) Vinaka Phil :-)

[@michael4382]

Same! I was in Fiji 1974-1977 when I did most of my secondary education at Suva Grammar School. My younger brother would have been your age and he attended the Primary School. The best days of my life. The dream to visit again goes on...

[@DarkHorseDaze]

@@michael4382 I was at Suva Grammar School in 1974/5. Then we moved to Pacific Harbour ♥️ It was a beautiful life 🥰 I was so lucky!

[@tomasimawi1156]

This is the only song which will draw the visitors back to fiji to learn our culture and heritage💞

[@PhilBaileyChannel]

I hope so, Tomasi. Fijian culture and heritage is well worth learning about.

[@riccardobellini8522]

Fiji has the most beautiful in the world. Fijians and their culture is wonderful. They are so open to teaching you about certain aspects of their life. I just love visiting there.

[@Steffies4]

I lived in Fiji for 5 years, long ago,,this song still remains in my heart. This is a beautiful video. Thank You for it.

[@PhilBaileyChannel]

Thank you for the compliment. Much appreciated.

[@likunamule3754]

Thanks for the compliment ❤❤

[@rhondablakelock6938]

Thank you. My dad was Fijian from Kadavu. I've always wanted to learn this song , and now I can. It brings back nice memories. Excellent.

[@PhilBaileyChannel]

I'm so glad that you liked my video and especially that you can benefit from it. Thank you for your kind comment.

[@wetheexplorer8843]

This hospitable culture of Fiji people drives tourists in love with the country and people. I experienced this farewell song face to face today in @tanoa international hotel.

[@nicolerobinson1283]

This song has always been so close to my heart . Thanks for the different versions and clarity. I can now sing it with confidence and will try not to unwillingly have tears streaming down :)

[@yvonnerounds4158]

It is very difficult not to tear up...if it is your homeland!

[@sajiwannaicker]

Vinaka Vakalevu! It almost made me cry listening to such a beautiful and nostalgic song. Perfect for when you miss Fiji

[@PhilBaileyChannel]

So glad you liked the video - sorry for almost making you cry ;o) I sure can understand why you would miss Fiji.

[@KoiNadi]

Ok wow, that translation is spot on, you went above and beyond to finally clear up the meaning. There is a beautiful instrumental version by Ry Cooder floating around KZbin also, I highly recommend watching 😍🙌👏

[@PhilBaileyChannel]

Vinaka KoiNadi. Credit for the translation must go to Josefa Nalewabau from Ono Island. I do appreciate your compliment and I will check out Ry Cooder's instrumental version.

[@iosefoamuri5080]

Thanks for the great work!!! As a Fijian I salute you for your great effort in the translation of the song. It is indeed great! Vinaka vaka Levu.

[@PhilBaileyChannel]

Vinaka Iosefo. I really appreciate your kind response.

[@southernarora3518]

Hat's off to you mate from an Australian Fijian Indian

[@PhilBaileyChannel]

Vinaka Southern Arora! Your positive comment is very much appreciated.

[@suliasibotitu6363]

Isa vinaka vakalevu Phil for sharing your video to the rest of the world about my beloved Fiji...hope you enjoy your vacation in Fiji

[@restlessbeing1398]

This was so beautifully sang and well translated . I apologise on my peoples behalf for that one idiots comment that was so harsh . But thank you for translating this beautiful song well .God bless you my friend

[@PhilBaileyChannel]

Vinaka Restless Being. I appreciate your encouragement and support very much.

[@restlessbeing1398]

@@PhilBaileyChannel vinaka vakalevu

[@naova84]

The translation is great, thanks for the video clip, appreciate the effort taken to make such an awesome video clip. Vinaka vakalevu

[@philbailey509]

Vinaka Ice Man. Much appreciated.

[@downsouth1slanda]

Thank you Phil for digging deeper and getting a better translation of the song.

[@PhilBaileyChannel]

It was very interesting and my pleasure to do so. 👍

[@nailusia1287]

Ni bula. Fijian living abroad and sometimes when I'm missing home, I get on KZbin to listen to some old faves. Thank you for taking the time to understand and try to translate what this song means. Vinaka.

[@PhilBaileyChannel]

Vinaka for taking the time to write such a nice comment Nai. I really appreciate it.

[@aiminghigh3162]

I was born in Fiji. This song flows in my blood and every time I hear it, I am filled with love for Fiji 💗💗🌴💦🌞🍍🍌🐟

[@PhilBaileyChannel]

Thank you Aiming High. I understand and appreciate your love for Fiji.

[@The123Larney]

You're right, as a Fijian, this song is so much deep and meaningful. I miss home so much!😭🇫🇯❤

[@PhilBaileyChannel]

Vinaka Lani W. I do hope that you will at least get to visit sometime soon. All the best to you.

[@carmentraverso8699]

Sono stata alle Fiji 2 volte.... Sono sempre nel mio cuore... Quando sento Isa lei il mio cuore si riempe di dolci ricordi.

[@PhilBaileyChannel]

Così vero. Grazie Carmen.

[@253KINGS24MEIMEIMJ]

It’s crazy how this melody is similar like the Samoan song “moomooga sa molia I talosaga “! Shows how close we really are !!

[@PhilBaileyChannel]

Very interesting! There is also a Tongan version of the song, which some believe to be the original version. Here is an explanation and performance of the song from a Tongan perspective: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h6TQY5p8rZd7qZI

[@vosavaka-viti625]

Vinaka Vakalevu 🌺 Phil for your hard work in finding out more details of this #IndigenousFijian Farewell Song. Your effort in translation is almost done with precision. Vinaka Vakalevu 🇫🇯🌺 🕊️

[@PhilBaileyChannel]

Vinaka Vakalevu VosaVaka Viti. When I learned that the translation used in my original video was a highly inaccurate anglicized version of the song, I felt compelled to correct it. Credit for the translation must go to Josefa Nalewabau of Ono Island, who is shown at the very end of the video.

[@vosavaka-viti625]

@@PhilBaileyChannel Vinaka Vakalevu 🌺 🕊️. Your effort plus Mr Nawalebau's work are well noted. Totoka 👏 💐

[@YouDude60]

Lovely - thank you for the attention given to the intent behind this beautiful song.

[@PhilBaileyChannel]

Thank you Mark, I'm so glad that you liked the video.

[@164sam]

Phill...so homesick now listening to this song...Isa my Fiji

[@joenalewabau9589]

Phil, now that I am stuck here in Sydney because of this pandemic this song makes me tear-up easily. I’m so happy about the positive comments this post is receiving. God bless.

[@PhilBaileyChannel]

Thank you so much Joe. Cora and I loved our visit to Mai Dive and all of your hospitality. I attribute all of the positive comments about this video to the wonderful translation that you provided. I hope that this pandemic ends soon and you can return to Fiji and beautiful Ono Island. Cora and I would love to go back someday... If life permits.

[@joenalewabau9589]

Yes indeed. If life permits. Thanks for the kind words. Jason build Mai Dive on the idea that one becomes part of our extended family the moment you booked with us. Bula vinaka Cora.

[@carlsnateru1164]

I'm in Fiji and hearing this song just makes me wanna cry😭

[@PhilBaileyChannel]

Bula Carls. The song also makes me sad (and wanting to visit Fiji again). I'm curious - Are you sad because you left Fiji in the past? Are you sad because you live in Fiji and you are thinking about people who have left? Or are you sad simply because the song is one of sadness?

[@takayawaluvuidaveta3263]

@@PhilBaileyChannel sad 😥because people have left 😢 it's easy to welcome but hard to farewell

[@PhilBaileyChannel]

@@takayawaluvuidaveta3263 So true Takayawa.

[@PaulC-bn7ni]

Vinaka vakalevu for the translations. 👍👍👍

[@PhilBaileyChannel]

Vinaka vakalevu for the feedback! It was a pleasure to put the video together. 😊

[@kuleilani]

Thanks always wanted the Fijian lyrics ... this song is beautiful even the Tongan version if u type in here on KZbin (Angela Afeaki and John ofanoa) u will find their video performing isa lei in all three languages (Tongan English n Fijian). I'm having hard time finding the full Tongan version because it's a very old Tongan song also.

[@foreversisters2285]

Vinaka Vakalevu for the video. The translation is spot on 👍👏👏👏. Great effort vinaka 👏👏

[@PhilBaileyChannel]

Hi Forever Sisters. I really appreciate your positive feedback. Vinaka Vakalevu to you too!

[@asinayaru8994]

am always homesick listening to fijian songs especially this farewell song..thanx Mr Bailey great clip it is..sorry for the harsh comments in the previous clip..i find it very much inappropriate and with no respect..i really appreciate what you did and the passion you have for my beloved country..GB

[@PhilBaileyChannel]

I am very grateful for your comment Asi. Vinaka Vakalevu.

[@GaSh23]

Isa, how this song brings up so many memories. Vinaka vaka levu Phil :)

[@PhilBaileyChannel]

Bula vinaka Marlin. I'm so glad that you enjoyed it.

[@larrymurphy3877]

The seekers voice puts something in this song that I don’t hear from the others

[@thesavannalady]

I sent Fiji Tourism your youtube link. You should be part of their team!

[@PhilBaileyChannel]

Vinaka vakalevu! I would love to be on Team Viti!

[@heilalatupou8562]

This song was sang by fijian military soldiers during world War 2

[@Kettley11]

Thankyou am learning song to sing at a farewell... beautiful fijian song

[@sakiusad]

Vinaka man, well done man. Au nuitaka ni ko marau taka na nomuni gade iViti - I hope you enjoyed your trip to Fiji.

[@PhilBaileyChannel]

+sakiusad Vinaka Vakalevu. My wife and I have taken three trips to Fiji and loved every one of them. It's been about three years since we were there and we hope to return again some day. Your compliment on the video is greatly appreciated.

[@timaimavueti4007]

❤ Vinaka Vakalevu Phil my brother!... Thankyou so much!..

[@PhilBaileyChannel]

It was my pleasure to bring attention to this beautiful song. Thank you for your support and encouragement.

[@tahititoutou3802]

There is one chord missing. Could anyone translate it? Domoni dina na nomu yanuyanu Kena kau wale na salusalu Mocelolo, bua, na Kukuwatu Lagakali, maba na rosi damu.

[@myopicthunder]

Domoni dina na nomu yanuyanu Your island loves you very much, Kena kau wale na salusalu, Farewell with this garland (And those are different types of leaves and flowers in the salusalu (garland) I just know bua is frangipani and Rosi damu is red roses))

[@willycagibulakamenio8861]

Vinaka Sir. Beautifully translated. God Bless.

[@PhilBaileyChannel]

Vinaka Willy. Much appreciated.

[@kawaiipanda1974]

Hi Phil, I was just searching the internet for the farewell song. This is great!! Even if you posted it quite a few years ago...Where can I find the song without your explanation? Even if it is great haha.

[@PhilBaileyChannel]

Bula NN BB. Here is a recording of the song without any on-screen translation or explanation... kzbin.info/www/bejne/qF6rgZuBhaeVjq8

[@MrRounz]

The land of "Isa lei"

[@riccardobellini8522]

This song always makes me cry.

[@PhilBaileyChannel]

I understand completely. 😢

[@DaisysChannel108]

Hello! Thanks for sharing this song :) I also lived in Fiji as a child and still call it one of my homes. Would you mind sharing where you sourced this song? Did you record it while visiting? I'd love to have it to play without the intro/speaking. Many thanks!

[@PhilBaileyChannel]

It was from a CD of Fijian songs, which I bought in the gift shop at the Matamanoa Resort in Fiji. The songs were all performed by staff at the resort, so it was likely only available there.

[@devakirin]

⁠ohh I see! It’s lovely. Thanks for getting back to me, Phil - appreciate it. And thanks again for sharing this version and the proper English translation 🙏🏼😊(accidentally posted from my daughters account last time!)

[@isamatea679]

Love your translation Phil , close to the itaukei meaning.

[@PhilBaileyChannel]

Thank you so much, iSa matea. I can't claim credit for the translation - I was very fortunate to have the assistance of Joe Nalewabau from Ono Island.

[@LawFj]

Vinaka sir. Love your videos!

[@PhilBaileyChannel]

Vinaka Losena Mei. I really appreciate the positive feedback.

[@apituraga9488]

@Phil Bailey Sob! Sob! A visitor so fun! Your leaving will cause me (great) sadness Whatever was it that you came to do? Now that you are going, I will not have fun. Sob! Sob! O my sadness! You will be boarding tomorrow! Please remember Our fun At Suva, always remember Your land is a famous land But the huge waves are the problem I always desire to set foot on it Will try if life is long

[@silofa841]

Thank you 🙏🏽 for this

[@PhilBaileyChannel]

Thank you for taking the time to watch.

[@jobloew6854]

Very nice and thx for posting, esp all the effort prior to posting.. Came here from a Seekers/Judith Durham video. Question: why would "roses miss the sun at dawning"? I would think they'd miss it at dusk.

[@PhilBaileyChannel]

Excellent question Job Loew! In my opinion, the English version of the song isn't great and doesn't have the depth of the Fijian song, which I think is why many Fijians don't like the English song. Having said that, perhaps the roses miss the sun just before it comes up, because it has been away all night and they have been getting lonely? That's my best (and rather lame) guess. Anyone else care to weigh in?

[@simelitikotani8927]

This song was written by the late Ratu sir kamisese mara's dad.. the high chief in fiji a place call Lau

[@PhilBaileyChannel]

Interesting. I appreciate your contribution of this information. Vinaka.

[@Wayaboy10]

Spot on translation 👍

[@PhilBaileyChannel]

Vinaka Ju Mo. I must also thank Josefa Nalewabau of Ono Island for the actual translation.

[@164sam]

Thanks Phil...well done..GB

[@frannyleon3801]

really good song wow... unforgettable nadi hotel... thanks for post it...

[@nazfallbreeze4969]

excellent Phil...all the best

[@PhilBaileyChannel]

Vinaka Naz.

[@zulfaizzulkifli6665]

This song is really deep meaning in my heart

[@PhilBaileyChannel]

I understand completely. Isa Lei is one of the most heartfelt songs I have ever heard.

[@zulfaizzulkifli6665]

I dont understand why it has 2 meaning in english. Which is the correct one?

[@PhilBaileyChannel]

@@zulfaizzulkifli6665 The "English" line at the top of the screen is the more correct translation. The "English Song" text at the bottom of the screen is usually provided to tourists. It is not accurate, but it rhymes, so some people think that it is more pleasing for English-speaking people to hear. Many Fijians do not like the version at the bottom of the screen because it does not provide the correct meaning of the song. I agree that it is better to have an accurate translation instead of a rhyming song that is mostly made-up.

[@zulfaizzulkifli6665]

@@PhilBaileyChannel thanks phil. You really help me on this

[@deeclaffey3969]

the history of this song was made my a man from new Zealand leaving Fiji

[@PhilBaileyChannel]

Hi Dee, I'm certain that a New Zealander did not write original song. The original Isa Lei is said to have come from Tonga and was adapted to Fijian. Perhaps a man from New Zealand wrote the first English version? Whoever wrote the English version must have got a rough translation of the lyrics and then made major changes in order to keep the same tune and make the words rhyme. That's why the English version just follows the general meaning of the song but is not a true translation. That's also why I decided to make this video.

[@deeclaffey3969]

my step farther was a Fijian national and was told that the song was written by a man from new Zealand he brought me up from the age 18 months and now im 49 my dad was from nadi I can only comment on what my step dad told me I was told that he stayed in Fiji and was sad to leave and that he wrote the song isa lei. also Fiji was my second home will love to hear more from u on Fiji culture incase my step father has got it wrong ,xx

[@PhilBaileyChannel]

dee claffey I would never want to be one to say that your stepfather was mistaken. My video is based upon specific conversations that I have had with Fijians in Fiji. If you watch the video to the very end (after the sunset), you will see Mr. Josepha Nalewabau. He is a highly respected Fijian gentleman who provided me with much of my information. If you look at a previous comment from Wong Fu, it provides information about the song being very old and originating in Tonga. The true origins of the Fijian song seem to be unclear. My research found one entry indicating that it was composed by Ratu (Chief) Tevita Uluilakeba. The same entry states that the lyrics to the English version were written by Lieutenant W A Caten, who was likely a British army officer. Perhaps the true origins will never be known. When it comes to the English version, who knows? Maybe your stepfather was correct.

[@lepzjr8405]

dee claffey YOU ARE COMPLETELY WRONG! do not bring your rubbish New Zealand into thinking you guys made this song! It was made and sung by Fijians! End of period😡🖕🏽

[@kaiinasau1623]

Can see my home island at 3:05 .. and home is at the foot of Mt Washington, Kadavu 😍😍😍

[@PhilBaileyChannel]

Nice! We also have a Mt Washington here on Vancouver Island! (www.mountwashington.ca/)

[@brianyen3153]

wonderful!

[@PhilBaileyChannel]

Thank you. Much appreciated.

[@heilalatupou8562]

This song was sang by the fijian military in world War 2

[@pexxxii839]

Vinaka Phil

[@antjetautkus5506]

😘

[@SameeraYOxx]

whose version of isa lei is this?

[@PhilBaileyChannel]

It is my understanding that it is the Fijian version of the song (I believe that there may also be a Tongan version). As for the recording in the video, the song was performed by staff of the Matamanoa Island Resort in Fiji's Mamanuca Islands.

[@SameeraYOxx]

@@PhilBaileyChannel i love this rendition! is there an officially released recording of the resort staff's version?

[@PhilBaileyChannel]

@@SameeraYOxx The song was the last track on a CD that I purchased in the gift shop at the Matamanoa Island Resort. The CD case has the simple title, "The Matamanoa Island Band". The back cover includes the text "This Record was made on Matamanoa Island in July, 1997. I would have bought the CD sometime between 2011 and 2013. The CD does not appear to be mass-produced. If you want a copy, your best bet might be to send an inquiry to the resort (matamanoa.com/contact/).

[@deeclaffey3969]

I have a few books about Fiji culture would love to send them to u due to ur love of Fiji and research if u want them please pm me with address x

[@marywinstanley3193]

❤❤❤❤

[@frannyleon3801]

anyone can sing it in English??

[@PhilBaileyChannel]

+franny leon I have seen and heard the English version on KZbin a couple of years ago. I had a look today but I couldn't find it again. The English version sounds nice enough, but it is far more moving when it is sung, from the heart, in Fijian.

[@Musazkhan82]

Funny that there is not a single Indo-Fijian in your videos. Your perception of Fiji is based on what you experienced in the resort's .next time get out more Indo-Fijians have also a lot to offer...

[@PhilBaileyChannel]

The intent of my video was only to provide a translation of a song. This was accompanied by video of some of the things that I saw during my resort-based trip. I hadn't given any thought to the ethnicity of the people who happened to be in the video. I hope that you were not offended or that you thought I had deliberately excluded a group of people. If I have an opportunity to return to Fiji in the future, perhaps I should spend my time in Nadi or Suva instead of relaxing at resorts. Perhaps I should create a video that provides a translation of an Indo-Fijian song instead. Thank you for bringing this to my attention. Here's an idea... If you would like to provide me with a recording of an Indo-Fijian song, with the rights to post it, along with an accurate English translation and interesting video clips that include Indo-Fijians, I will create another video and post it to KZbin.

[@eskay.u2277]

😂😂😂 Indo Fijian?? What the heck this is Fiji not India bruh

[@KoiNadi]

I would love to see videos of our Fijian Indo famz singing Isa Lei that would be wonderful, please share link 😃

[@marialeba6983]

Chorus; Isa lei,the purple shadows fall. Sad tomorrow, will dawn upon my sorrow. Don't forget no When you're far away. Precious moments, Beside Suva bay

[@suliasibotitu6363]

Isa vinaka vakalevu Phil for sharing your video to the rest of the world about my beloved Fiji...hope you enjoy your vacation in Fiji