Thula Baba - An African lullaby by Soweto Gospel Choir

by: Jennifer Richardson on

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