Why Taba Naba is the Most Important Song The Wiggles Ever Did

If you grew up in Australia—or had a kid who did—you’ve definitely had that one catchy, rhythmic tune stuck in your head. It’s the one where they’re all sitting on the floor, doing those sharp, rhythmic hand gestures. I’m talking about Taba Naba.

Most people just think of it as "that one Wiggles song with the lady in the garden," but it’s actually a massive deal. It’s not just a preschool bop. It’s a piece of living history from the Torres Strait Islands that The Wiggles helped bring into the global mainstream. Honestly, it might be the most culturally significant thing Anthony, Greg, Murray, and Jeff ever recorded.

It’s Not Actually a "Wiggles" Song

First things first: The Wiggles didn’t write it. Not even close. Taba Naba is a traditional folk song from the Eastern Islands of the Torres Strait, specifically originating from Mer (Murray Island).

It’s sung in Meriam Mir, which is the language of the people there. When you hear those lyrics—Taba naba naba norem—you’re hearing a language that has survived for thousands of years. It basically describes a very normal, everyday thing: going out to the reef to fish.

💡 You might also like: Atrium Stadium Cinemas: Why Staten Island’s Favorite Theater Still Wins

Think about that for a second. In the middle of an album full of songs about "Hot Potato" and "Fruit Salad," The Wiggles dropped a track about Indigenous maritime culture. They didn't just "cover" it, either. They brought in Christine Anu, a powerhouse Torres Strait Islander performer, to lead the way and make sure they did it right.

The Christine Anu Connection

You can't talk about Taba Naba and the Wiggles without talking about Christine. She first appeared with them back in 2000 for the album It’s a Wiggly Wiggly World.

In the video, she’s sitting in a garden with the guys and a group of kids. She explains that the song is meant to be performed while sitting down. This is called a "sit-down dance." The movements aren't just random hand-waving; they correspond to the lyrics about the morning tide being low and heading out in a dinghy.

• The Lyrics: "Taba naba naba norem"
• The Meaning: "Come let us go to the reef"
• The Vibe: Pure, joyful community energy.

The Wiggles have a habit of being ahead of the curve. Long before diversity and inclusion were corporate buzzwords, they were featuring First Nations artists and languages on high-rotation kids' TV. Christine Anu has actually returned to perform the song with multiple "generations" of Wiggles, including the most recent lineups with Emma, Lachy, Simon, and the newest members.

🔗 Read more: The Facts of Life Characters: Who Actually Stayed and Who Just Vanished

Why the "Style!" Part Matters

If you’ve watched the video, you know it ends with everyone shouting "Style!" and striking a pose.

That’s a real thing. In Torres Strait Islander performance, "style" is often used at the end of a song to signal the finish with a bit of flair. It’s like a musical exclamation point. For a toddler, it’s just fun to yell. But for the culture it comes from, it’s a specific performance tradition.

The Wiggles' version is actually quite faithful to the versions performed by the Mills Sisters, who are legends in the Torres Strait music scene. If you want to hear the "original" popular version that paved the way for the Wiggles, look up their album Frangipani Land. It’s got that same infectious, island-reggae-folk rhythm.

More Than Just "Mat Time"

In Australian primary schools and preschools, Taba Naba has become a staple. It’s the go-to song for "mat time."

But there’s a bit of a debate among educators. Is it enough to just sing the song? Experts like those at Kodály Australia and various Indigenous education councils argue that if we’re going to teach Taba Naba, we have to teach the context. You can't just do the hand moves and call it a day. You have to mention the Meriam Mir language. You have to mention the reef.

The Wiggles did a huge service by making the song famous, but they also set a high bar for how to collaborate with Indigenous artists. They didn't just take the song; they invited the community in.

✨ Don't miss: Why Images of Mater From Cars Still Rule the Internet Today

A Legacy That Won't Quit

It’s been over 25 years since that first collaboration, and the song is still everywhere. It’s been featured in Lights, Camera, Action, Wiggles!, Ready, Steady, Wiggle!, and even the 2022 OG Wiggles reunion tours.

Whenever they play it live, the energy in the room shifts. It’s got a different "weight" than "The Monkey Dance." It feels like an anthem.

If you’re looking to dive deeper into the world behind the song, start by looking up the Meriam Mir language. It’s one of the many Indigenous languages of Australia that people are working hard to preserve. Watching the Wiggles version is a great start, but hearing Christine Anu talk about her heritage or listening to the Mills Sisters gives you the full picture.

Next Steps for You:

1. Watch the 2000 version: Look for the original It’s a Wiggly Wiggly World clip to see the specific sit-down dance movements as Christine Anu taught them.
2. Compare the versions: Check out the "Taba Naba Style!" version from the newer Wiggles era to see how the choreography and energy have evolved while keeping the core Meriam Mir lyrics intact.
3. Learn the translation: Next time you sing along, remember the "dinghy ge nabatre" line—it’s literally about jumping in the boat to go catch dinner.