Thula Baba - An African lullaby by Soweto Gospel Choir

Jennifer Richardson - Tuesday, July 01, 2014

This lullaby is sung by a mother to her child, as they await the return of their husband/father who has gone away to work.

It’s a beautiful song with a powerful message. Simply lovely.

Lyrics: Zulu Lyrics

Thula thul, thula baba, thula sana,

Tul’ubab ‘uzobuya ekuseni Thula thul, thula baba, thula sana,

Tul’ubab ‘uzobuya ekuseni

Kukh’in khan-yezi, zi-holel’ u baba,

Zim-khan yi-sela indlel’e ziyak-haya,

Sobe sik hona xa bonke be-shoyo,

Be-thi bu-yela u-bu-ye le khaya,

Thula thula thula baba,

Thula thula thula sana,

Thula thula thula baba,

Thula thula thula san.

English Translation

Keep quiet my child

Keep quiet my baby

Be quiet, daddy will be home by dawn

There’s a star that will lead him home

The star will brighten his way home

The hills and stones are still the same my love

My life has changed, yes my life has changed

The children grow but you don’t know my love

The children grew but you don’t see them grow