One versions holds that Turaga Bale na Tu'i Nayau, Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba composed it[1] in 1916 for Adi Litia Tavanavanua (1900–1983), when she visited Tubou, Lakeba, in 1916.
[2] The Fiji Museum holds Uluilakeba's manuscript, but according to its description he composed the song in 1918 while he was in training as a civil servant in Suva.
[6][7] Lieutenant A. W. Caten, a bandmaster from the Fijian Defence Forces, created a foxtrot arrangement in 1932;[8][9] he is often credited in modern recordings of the song, including in versions by The Seekers, and Ry Cooder and V. M. Bhatt on their album A Meeting by the River.
vulagi lasa dina Nomu lako au rarawa kina A'cava beka ko a mai cakava?
Chorus Isa Lei na noqu rarawa, Ni ko sa na vodo ena mataka Bau nanuma tiko ga, Mai Suva, nanuma tiko ga.
your isle-home is so well known, Flowers for wreaths its woods enclose; Morecelolo, Bua and the Lagakali, grown On hillsides, too, the sweet rose.
Your island is indeed much envied, Garlanded with forests Of mocelolo, bua, kukuwalu The scented lagakali, and surrounding all, red roses.
(Chorus)[12] Si'i lile, viola lose hina, Fisimoto matala he lilifa, Isa ete nofo 'l he toafa, To'eloto tangi 'l he potulala.
those viola white roses, Blooming flowers from yonder, howbeit, I live in a desert, With the aching heart of loneliness, Crying from desolate.