A lullaby from Madagascar

Sakalava Lullaby

Key: A minor~56 BPMGuitar & Piano chordsOriginal · Sakalava, Madagascar

▶ More lullabies on YouTube

Sakalava Lullaby Lyrics. An original lullaby inspired by the Sakalava people of Madagascar’s western coast, known for towering baobab trees, fishing villages, and zebu cattle herding. The Sakalava once ruled the largest kingdom in Madagascar’s history, controlling much of the west coast between the 16th and 19th centuries, and many Sakalava communities still observe fady, sacred taboos protecting royal tombs and relics passed down from that era, honored with the same seriousness today as centuries ago. Here you will find the lyrics, meaning, and chords.

Sing & play

Lyrics & chords

An original arrangement, with guitar & piano chords above each line.

Verse

Am Dm Am

Sleep now, little one, the baobabs stand so tall,

Dm Am E7

the fishing nets are drying now, beside the harbor wall.

Am Dm Am

Sleep now, little one, the zebu rest tonight,

Dm Am E7

tomorrow’s sun will warm the coast, with soft and golden light.

In English

What the words mean

“Sleep now, little one, the baobabs stand so tall, the fishing nets are drying now, beside the harbor wall. Sleep now, little one, the zebu rest tonight, tomorrow’s sun will warm the coast, with soft and golden light.”

Play it

Chords — guitar & piano

Guitar

Piano

Guitar

Piano

Guitar

Piano

Download free chord sheet (PDF)

Good to know

What “Sakalava Lullaby” Means

The Sakalava people live along Madagascar’s western coast, a region known for its towering baobab trees, fishing villages, and zebu cattle herding, with a distinct royal tradition of their own. This original lullaby draws on those coastal and baobab images of Sakalava life.

More songs to sing & play

Back to all our nursery rhymes and lullabies — each one with a different friend.

← All nursery rhymes