Kaidhu Baba
Words and Music (c) Cygnet Repu

A song about diving for trochus mollusks (also known as pearl shell) from the sailing lugger Black Swan
Written by Cygnet Repu from Mabuig Island and recorded on a compendium album of songs from that area.
Trochus is a large mollusk with a conical upper shell, used for the irridescence of its shell and for meat.
It can be very dangerous work.


Kaidu baba Waru kubinu puzika
Dangalau kubinu puzika

Kaidu baba Waru kubinu puzika
Dangalau kubinu puzika

This island lies over shallow water,
where my people have lost their lives

From diving for pearl shell, or on the small mahe
this working place will be called home, oh proud home here
This island lies over shallow water, where my people have lost their lives
This island lies over shallow water, where my people have lost their lives

Kaidu baba Waru kubinu puzika
Dangalau kubinu puzika
Kaidu baba, Kaidu baba

My money lies over them big trees
My money lies under the sea

My money lies under the sea
My money lies under the sea
My money lies under the sea

Kaidu baba Waru kubinu puzika
Dangalau kubinu puzika
Kaidu baba, Kaidu baba

My money lies over them big trees
My money lies under the sea
My money lies under the sea

>From Windcalling