Hawaiian War Chant
Tommy Dorsey Lyrics
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That was started by a native down in Waikiki
He would gather a crowd down beside the sea
And they'd play his gay Hawaiian chant
Soon the other little natives started singin' it
And the hula hula maidens started swingin' it
Like a tropical storm that's the way it hit
Funny little gay Hawaiian Chant
Ow way tah tualan Me big bad fightin' man
Tho it started on an island down Hawaii way
It's as popular in Tennessee or Ioway
If you wander into any cabaret
You will hear this gay Hawaiian Chant
The lyrics to Tommy Dorsey's song Hawaiian War Chant describe the origins of a catchy melody that was created by a native in Waikiki, a small beachside town in Hawaii. The melody was so captivating that it attracted a crowd of natives who would gather down beside the sea to listen. Soon, other natives followed suit, and the hula hula maidens began to perform traditional Hawaiian dances while singing the melody.
As the song progresses, we learn that the melody's popularity rapidly spread beyond its beginnings in Hawaii. Its infectious rhythm and upbeat tempo became well-known in states like Tennessee and Ioway and could be heard in any cabaret you wandered into. The lyrics paint an uplifting picture of the song's origins, the joy it brings, and its unstoppable momentum that travels far beyond its roots.
Overall, the Hawaiian War Chant has an enchanting sound that is emblematic of the Hawaiian music genre's sunshine, beaches, and laid back vibe. While the lyrics don't convey any deep meaning or profound messages, they do give us a glimpse into the carefree spirit of Hawaiian music.
Line by Line Meaning
There's a sunny little funny little melody
There exists a bright and humorous tune that continues to inspire many.
That was started by a native down in Waikiki
It originated from a local individual in Waikiki.
He would gather a crowd down beside the sea
The individual in question would assemble people together along the ocean.
And they'd play his gay Hawaiian chant
Together they'd play and sing his cheerful Polynesian tune.
Soon the other little natives started singin' it
Additional locals soon began to voice and harmonize along to it.
And the hula hula maidens started swingin' it
Female hula dancers started to move their bodies and sway along to it.
Like a tropical storm that's the way it hit
The tune hit like a violent and intense tropical storm.
Funny little gay Hawaiian Chant
It is a cheerful, humorous Polynesian song.
Ow way tah tualan Me big bad fightin' man
A line from the song in the Polynesian language.
Tho it started on an island down Hawaii way
Although it was first sung on an island in Hawaii.
It's as popular in Tennessee or Ioway
It is just as well-liked in states like Tennessee and Iowa.
If you wander into any cabaret
If you visit any nightclub.
You will hear this gay Hawaiian Chant
You will most likely hear this bright, light-hearted Polynesian tune.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave
Written by: JOHNNY NOBLE, RALPH FREED
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@STho205
Those are my two favorite hot music big band arrangements of the late 30s. Both are instrumental rock....for the rock and roll jitterbug dance beat popular in 1937 to 41. It got rediscovered in 1955 in shortform for 45s.
Goodman's variation on Louie Primas Sing Sing Sing diddy is what I consider the cumulation of a american forms up to that date:
Folk
Ragtime
Symphonic
Sousa
Jewish Jazz
Black Jazz
Italian Jazz
American Indian Traditional
Spanish
All in one longform piece squeezed on two sides of an oversized 78.
@alightthatnevergoesout
Nothing more enjoyable in drumming than whacking the floor tom. I know Buddy had the time of his life playing this music. May God rest his soul.
@sulladrum
As good as this is, the single stroke roll at the end is amazing. He had incredible stamina and speed right up to the end of his life
@chrismorfas7515
Makes ya think our parents and grandparents had a point about their music being pretty good, too.
@jamespfitz
It was GREAT!
@Blaqjaqshellaq
And their movies!
@jamescoulton5138
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@phillipecook3227
It'd be nice to see these suits back in fashion.
@noneofurbusiness5223
Fond memories mid-1960's. 4 family members dancing 💃 in a conga line inside a little house 🏠, two of us under 5 in VaBch.