Genres Archives: Mele

Kawika

COUNTRY: Hawaii
LANGUAGE: Hawaiian

“Kawika” is a Hawaiian “mele” that tells the story of Hawaiian King David Kalākaua (1836-1891) and his failed attempts to appeal to England and France for financial aid. That doesn’t seem like the most rousing narrative for a song, but it was something that happened, and why not take the occasion to sing? Here are lyrics from the original as translated on Huapala.org:

This is David, The greatest of all flowers
(He is) the lightning in the east, That brightens Hawaiʻi|
News reached England, Also heard by the French queen
Who is this flower of high rank?, Kapaʻakea is his father
Tell the refrain, King David, is his name

Enjoy this really cool version performed by Kumu Hula Sylvia Puananiha’aheo Edgar:

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Aloha ‘Oe

COUNTRY: Hawaii
LANGUAGE: Hawaiian

GENRE: Hawaiian Mele

The most beloved Hawaiian song of all time is Queen Lili’uokalani’s “Aloha ‘Oe,” which means “farewell to you.” The Queen wrote the lyrics, in part to a melody borrowed from a popular song of the day, when she witnessed the parting of two people in love. As we sing “Aloha ‘Oe” we will appreciate the fact that Lili’uokalani told this bittersweet tale of love in the context of Hawaii’s glorious nature. Here is Huapala.org’s translation: “Proudly swept the rain by the cliffs/As it glided through the trees/Still following ever the bud/The ‘ahihi lehua of the vale, Farewell to you, farewell to you, The charming one who dwells in the shaded bowers, One fond embrace, ‘Ere I depart, Until we meet again.”

Lyrics of All Around This World’s version:

As the rain drifts gently down upon us

As your beauty washes over me

Oh my flower I will always remember

How you embrace me when you leave

Aloha ‘oe, aloha ‘oe

Goodbye, I love you now, forever

One fond embrace, aloha ‘oe

Until we meet again.

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Genres Archives: Mele