What is the Baby Beluga song?

This article will tell you everything you ever wanted to know about the classic children's song 'Baby Beluga' by the Canadian singer / songwriter and children's entertainer Raffi. It will tell the story of the song's history, what inspired it and the unusual places it has cropped up over the years...

A brief history

The baby song 'Baby Beluga' was written and first recorded by the Canadian singer / songwriter Raffi and his wife Debi Pike. It was released in 1980 and went on to become a much loved children's favourite. Raffi was originally inspired to write the song by a visit to the Vancouver Aquarium, where he saw a newborn Beluga whale. The song became the title track of the 'Baby Beluga' album, which features the haunting sounds of whales communicating with one another. As well as traditional favourites such as 'Oats and Beans and Barley' and 'Kumbaya', the album features several original Raffi compositions. The 'Baby Beluga' song was also accompanied by an illustrated sing-along book.

Lyrics and music

'Baby Beluga' tells the story of a 'little white whale' who is 'always on the go'. As the song continues, the listener hears how the baby whale plays with dolphins, squirts water out of its spout and sings with its friends before curling up to sleep in its 'water bed'. The song paints a vivid picture of these fascinating animals, but it should be pointed out that baby Beluga whales are actually slate grey or reddish brown rather than white. As they grow up, they become paler - first turning blue grey and finally white or yellow when they reach adulthood. They do however 'sing' - their complex and varied whistling has given them the nickname of the 'Sea Canary'. Musically, the song is performed on the guitar and each verse follows the same chord pattern - C, G, G7, C, F, C, D, G, G7, G.

Notable performances and cover versions

'Baby Beluga' has cropped up in a number of different settings since its original release. It featured as part of the 1993 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, accompanied by footage of belugas swimming and it has also been performed by a range of different artists, including The Wiggles and Billy Gilman on a 2001 tribute album entitled 'Country goes Raffi'. One of the most notable cover versions was performed in October 2004 by Pearl Jam singer Eddie Vedder at the annual Bridge School Benefit concert in Mountain View, California. On April 18 2011, Raffi himself released a video of the song, including a new verse which encouraged young people to vote in the 2011 Canadian federal election.