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La 'Elima
Israel Kamakawiwo'ole Lyrics


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La elima o Pepeluali
Waimaka helele'I ke alanui

Paiki pu'olo pa'a I ka lima
Waimaka helele'I I ke alanui!

Penei pepe 'alala nei
He hu'I ma'e'ele kou nui kino

Ha'ina 'ia mai ana ka puana
He mele he inoa no Miloli'i

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Israel Kamakawiwo'ole's song La 'Elima describe a sorrowful journey down a road, likely one in the town of Miloli'i on the island of Hawaii, during the month of February. The first two lines of the song translate to "The fifth of February, tears streaming down the road." It is likely that the tears in question are the cliche tears of heartbreak, as the following lines describe holding onto a bag tightly with one's hands, or clinging onto something physical in a moment of desperation.


The third line of the second stanza, "Penei pepe 'alala nei," is often interpreted as a reference to a butterfly, an animal that is often used as a metaphor for transformation and rebirth. In this context, the singer may be experiencing a spiritual awakening or moment of clarity in the midst of their pain. The song concludes with the line "Ha'ina 'ia mai ana ka puana," which roughly translates to "the story is told," and reinforces the idea that the song is telling a very specific, personal story.


Line by Line Meaning

La elima o Pepeluali
The fifth of February is a significant date


Waimaka helele'I ke alanui
Tears fall as I walk down the road


Paiki pu'olo pa'a I ka lima
Carrying a heavy burden in my hands


Waimaka helele'I I ke alanui!
Tears continue to fall as I walk down the road!


Penei pepe 'alala nei
This butterfly flutters about


He hu'I ma'e'ele kou nui kino
My body is filled with a great sadness


Ha'ina 'ia mai ana ka puana
The story is told


He mele he inoa no Miloli'i
A song, a name for Miloli'i




Contributed by London F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@ZachNeedham-mn7vm

La Elima o Pepeluali
Waimaka helele'i ke alanui
Penei pepe 'alala nei
He hu'i ma'e'ele kou nui kino
Paiki pu'olo pa'a i ka lima
Waimaka helele'i i ke alanui
Penei pepe 'alala nei
He hu'i ma'e'ele kou nui kino
Penei pepe 'alala nei
He hu'i ma'e'ele kou nui kino
Penei pepe 'alala nei
He hu'i ma'e'ele kou nui kino
Ha'ina 'ia mai ana ka puana
He mele he inoa no Miloli'i



All comments from YouTube:

@iamthatiamism

I love you, Miloli’I, and feel so blessed to live here

@BUS_MUSIC

Hawaiian singers have this incredible talent that feels like magic. First, there was Israel, and now there's Iam Tongi! When they sing, it's like they cast a spell on you. I just love them both!

@charliebuck697

I fished with the folks in Milolii in the mid 80s. I was very lucky and blessed to know their friendship back then.Some of the best times of my life.....

@cherrieowens1

He is talking about the  about the  tsumani that washed away the last Hawaiian fishing village.  Many children were washed out to sea-it also talks about hearing their cries in the night.  It is a sad song.

@Prayforthem

thank you

@Van_The_Man

Mahalo - my Hawaiian is limited. Now I understand.

@wbelle_author

I live near Miloliʻi. The village still exists as a fishing village, as does the church.

@user-ry2om8wu5f

When i think about how young he died i feel like the world missed a loth of others beautiful song.

@jacquespaquette9391

This is my best song from Iz, such a wonderful voice!! I don't understand any words, but God i love this song. You were gone too fast Iz, RIP.

@coriestern4931

Singing with Heavenly Angels now, our beloved Israel.

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