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Aloha `Oe (Farewell to Thee) |
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The Hawaiian language -- especially as spoken in olden times -- is lavish and flowery and often does not translate well into English. This song is an example of that, as the translation does not properly convey the poetry and the depth of sorrow expressed by the words in Hawaiian. Tradition says that the song was composed as Lili`uokalani watched two lovers saying goodbye in the moonlight, and that she used it as a farewell to her beloved country when it was taken away from the Hawaiian people and annexed by the United States in 1898. Queen Lili`uokalani began studying music at an early age and by the time of her death she had written over 160 poetic melodies and chants, including one of the four Hawaiian National Anthems. Through her music and lyrics she expressed her feelings about Hawaii and its people. For more information, try pbs.org Here are the words to Aloha 'Oe, in Hawaiian and English. For an orchestral rendition of the song that gives a feeling for its bathos, listen to the Galliard String Quartet version in RealAudio at the PBS website.
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Ha`aheo ka ua i na pali, |
Proudly sweeps the rain clouded by the cliffs, As onward it glides through the trees, It seems to be following the liko, The ahihi lehua of the vale. (Chorus) Farewell to thee, farewell to thee, Thou charming one who dwells among the bowers. One fond embrace before I now depart Until we meet again. |
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And here is a midi, if you absolutely must have one. |
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