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Sweet Lullaby
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Wikipedia article
{{Infobox song
| name = Sweet Lullaby
| cover = Sweet_lullaby.jpg
| alt =
| type = single
| artist = Deep Forest
| album = Deep Forest
| B-side = Remix
| released = 10 March 1992
| recorded =
| studio =
| venue =
| genre =
| length = 3:55
| label = Epic, Dance Pool
| writer = Eric Mouquet
Michel Sanchez
| producer = Dan Lacksman
| prev_title =
| prev_year =
| next_title = Deep Forest
| next_year = 1993
| misc =
}}
"'Sweet Lullaby'" is a song by French world music/ethnic electronica musical group Deep Forest, that originally appeared on their eponymous album (1992). The song gained popularity in 1992 and 1993 when it was released as a single, becoming a top 30 hit in many European and Oceanian countries. In 1994, it was re-released in remixed versions.
Background
The song is based around a traditional Baegu lullaby from the Solomon Islands called "Rorogwela", and uses a vocal sample of a woman called Afunakwa singing, originally recorded by ethnomusicologist Hugo Zemp in 1970 and later released by UNESCO as part of their 'Musical Sources' collection. The lyrics refer to a young orphan being comforted by his older brother despite the loss of their parents.
For a time, Australian television network SBS used the song as its theme. It was also used by German television broadcaster RTL as the closing theme to their coverage of UEFA Champions League football during the 19941995 season.
Origin: Rorogwela Edit
Sweet Lullaby means "sweet lullaby" in English, and uses excerpts from a traditional lullaby of the Baegu and Fateleka ethnic groups of the Solomon Islands, performed by Afunakwa and recorded around 1970 [1] by ethnomusicologist Hugo Zemp in the town of Fulinui [ 2 ] . The lullaby, sung in the Baegu language and called rorogwela, is the song of a young man who asks his younger brother to stop crying and explains that the love of his deceased parents is taking care of them.
Afunakwa's song was included on a 1973 LP titled Solomon Islands: Fateleka and Baegu Music from Malaita published by the UNESCO Music Sources Collection [3]. Only a few verses (marked below in bold) were reused in Sweet Lullaby [4]. Afunakwa's rendition was also reused by Italian disc jockey Mauro Picotto in his song Komodo, and the tune was covered by Norwegian saxophonist Jan Garbarek, in his song erroneously titled Pygmy Lullaby. Afunakwa died during the 1990s [5].
Critical reception
In 1994, Larry Flick from 'Billboard' wrote, "This is one of those great projects that has created a long top-shelf life on its own. Now that the 2-year-old "Sweet Lullaby" has finally run its course, Epic is focusing on the act's self-titled track, running it through the remix mill with sterling results. Myriad versions are included to ensure chances for consumption at several formats, ranging from mainstream club to crossover radio." Dave Sholin from the 'Gavin Report' said it's "haunting and captivating", adding, "it needs more than one listen." Another reviewer, Keith Zimmerman concluded that "with its Pygmy chant samplings, [it] churns out a soulful World Beat groove that's plenty catchy enough to create a mass appeal hit." Music writer James Masterton said in his weekly UK chart commentary, "The musical collage they create is startlingly reminiscent of something One Dove may produce but after much club exposure they have outdone them at a stroke and are destined for the Top 10 next week at least." Pan-European magazine 'Music & Media' called the song a "mellow floater". James Hamilton from 'Music Week's 'RM' Dance Update described it as an "African chanted haunting Euro hit" and a "exotically atmospheric haunting ethereal drifter". James Hunter from 'Vibe' deemed it "an eager pop confection of continental synths and excellent singing from "the rain forest pygmies of Africa"."
Chart performance
The debut single for the group, "Sweet Lullaby" was a success for Deep Forest, reaching #3 in Norway, #7 on the Australian ARIA Charts, #10 on the British charts, #78 on the US 'Billboard' Top 100, and the top 20 in France, Iceland and Switzerland.
Music video
The accompanying music video, directed by Indian director Tarsem Singh, was also nominated for several awards at the 1994 MTV Video Music Awards
Track listings
Charts
Weekly charts
Year-end charts
Certifications
References
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