Baloo Baleerie facts for kids

Baloo Baleerie is a Scottish lullaby. A lullaby is a soft song sung to help a baby sleep. The name "Baloo Baleerie" sounds like a fun, made-up phrase. It comes from the Scots word "baloo," which means lullaby. This song is also known as "The Bressay Lullaby." This is because it was recorded on January 22, 1949, on the island of Bressay in Shetland. This recording is kept safe in the BBC Glasgow Archives. The song was first shared with the public in 1951 by a person named Alan Lomax. There is also an English version of the song called "Go Away, Little Fairies."

What is Baloo Baleerie?

Baloo Baleerie is a traditional Scottish lullaby. It's a gentle song meant to soothe babies to sleep. The title itself is a playful phrase. It uses the old Scots word "baloo," which means "lullaby." So, "Baloo Baleerie" basically means "lullaby, lullaby."

The Song's Special History

This lullaby has a very interesting past. It was first recorded a long time ago, on January 22, 1949. The recording happened on a small island called Bressay. Bressay is part of the Shetland islands, which are north of mainland Scotland. Because of where it was recorded, the song is sometimes called "The Bressay Lullaby."

The original recording is kept in the BBC Glasgow Archives. These archives are like a giant library of old sounds and videos. In 1951, a man named Alan Lomax helped publish the song for the first time. He was a famous music collector who traveled the world to record traditional songs.

Different Versions of the Song

Over time, different versions of "Baloo Baleerie" have appeared. One popular English version is called "Go Away, Little Fairies." This shows how songs can change and adapt as they are passed down through generations.

Understanding the Lyrics

The lyrics of "Baloo Baleerie" tell a simple story. They are meant to protect a sleeping child.

The Story of the Changeling

The first part of the song talks about "peerie fairies." In old stories, a "changeling" was a fairy baby secretly swapped for a human baby. This would happen if a human baby was left alone. The song tells these fairies to leave the child alone. It's a way of wishing safety for the baby.

Angels and Sweet Dreams

The second part of the song asks for guardian angels to come. These angels are asked to protect the child. They are meant to watch over the baby's cradle. The final part of the song simply tells the baby to "sleep soft." This means to sleep peacefully and gently.