Taba naba

Taba Naba is a children's song originating in the Torres Strait Islands just north of the continent of Australia. This song is usually accompanied by a "sit-down dance" where the "dancers" perform traditional movements corresponding to the lyrics.

The song is a traditional song in the language of the Torres Strait Islanders (Meriam Mir).

Contents

Lyrics

Taba naba naba norem
Tugi penai siri
Dinghy e naba we
Miko keimi
Sere re naba we
Taba naba norem (style)
(repeated 3 times)

Translation:
Come on let's go to the Reef
Get into the dinghy when the morning tide is low
Let us row to the edge of the reef
Come on let's go to the reef.

Popular culture

The Wiggles made this song familiar in other countries by performing the song along with the dance in their shows. On their DVD 'Wiggly Wiggly World', it is sung by Christine Anu, an Australian pop singer of Torres Strait Island descent.

References

See also