In the novel, Lafitte the Pirate by Lyle Saxon ( used as basis for the film), there's a chapter entitled" Callalou: and it's supposedly a creole tune used sometimes as a lullabye, BUT... it's about a mixed race gal getting the upper hand on her rival.. The creole lyrics are there--- nothing like the tune in the film. Callaloo also applies to a creole dish made from spinach (callaloo) and okra -( sounds delish-gonna make it). So what we apparently have is a catchy sounding word, some history, and a whole lotta invention....