Anika Moa (born 21st May 1980) is a singer-songwriter from Christchurch, Ne… Read Full Bio ↴Anika Moa (born 21st May 1980) is a singer-songwriter from Christchurch, New Zealand.

While still at school in Christchurch, Moa entered the 'Smokefree Rockquest'.
She received a record deal with Warner Music in New Zealand and Atlantic Records in New York. The record company had big commercialized plans for her - which conflicted with her brash down-to-earth personality. Overall Moa did not enjoy her time in America and returned to base herself in New Zealand. Her first album was released in 2001.

She released her second album on August 1, 2005. She has collaborated with many artists including New Zealand's SJD and Bic Runga. She has also joined the band Dimmer, in a backup and touring capacity. She appears on the Greenpeace single "Anchor Me", which commemorates the twentieth anniversary of the bombing of the Rainbow Warrior. She also DJs under the pseudonym DJ Unika.
During September-October 2006 Moa toured New Zealand with just her acoustic guitar, playing at pub venues - almost all of which were sold out.

In October 2007, she released her third studio album, In Swings The Tide. The album was self produced for the first time.

Moa is openly lesbian.

Her website can be found at http://www.anikamoa.com/

Lies in This Land
Anika Moa Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I live in a land of hot water
I live in a land of smiles
I live in a land of perfect sunsets
This land I live lies in this land

But what about this thing we wrote this thing we wrote we made
The cost of life the human toll the cost of human lives that we betrayed

I live in a subtle differences
So I can smoke my pipe on my estate
Don't worry brother I'll get you of your cell
Your future meets your pride that's all that remains

But what about this thing we wrote this thing we wrote we made
The cost of life the human toll the cost of human lives that we betrayed

I live in this land you frown upon
I live in this land of hot sand
I live in this land of wrong
This land I live lies in this land
This land I live lies in this land

But what about this thing we wrote this thing we wrote we made
The cost of life the human toll the cost of human lives that we betrayed

Overall Meaning

The song "Lies in This Land" by Anika Moa reveals the contrast between the outwardly paradise-like image of a nation and the dark reality of how the country has been built. The opening lines "I live in a land of hot water/I live in a land of smiles/I live in a land of perfect sunsets/This land I live lies in this land" sets the scene for a country that is visually stunning and almost perfect but still has a hidden darkness. The following lines reveal the truth about the cost of human life- "But what about this thing we wrote this thing we wrote we made/The cost of life the human toll the cost of human lives that we betrayed." This creates an image of a country that is built from the exploitation of its own people.

The next stanza speaks of the subtle differences that allow some people to indulge in their pleasures while others are beaten down by the system. The lyrics "So I can smoke my pipe on my estate/Don't worry brother I'll get you of your cell/Your future meets your pride that's all that remains" highlights the stark differences in the social classes where those with wealth and status have the power to bring about change for others. The chorus is repeated again, emphasising the lie that permeates society.

The final lines of the song "I live in this land you frown upon/I live in this land of hot sand/I live in this land of wrong/This land I live lies in this land/This land I live lies in this land" expresses the dark truth of a country which has been founded on oppression and inequality. The song highlights the hypocrisy underneath images of paradise-like nations and the cost of human life, subtly reminding us of the importance of speaking out against injustice.

Line by Line Meaning

I live in a land of hot water
I live in a place where the natural hot springs provide hot water for my use and enjoyment.

I live in a land of smiles
I live in a culture where people are generally very friendly, hospitable, and happy.

I live in a land of perfect sunsets
I live in a place where the sky turns beautiful colors as the sun sets each evening.

This land I live lies in this land
This place where I reside is a part of a larger country or region.

But what about this thing we wrote this thing we wrote we made
What about the agreement, decision, or pact we made at some point in time?

The cost of life the human toll the cost of human lives that we betrayed
The consequences of our actions have resulted in human casualties and the loss of life.

I live in a subtle differences
I live in a place where small details make a big difference in behaviors and traditions.

So I can smoke my pipe on my estate
I enjoy the privilege of being able to indulge in my own habit and lifestyle on my private property.

Don't worry brother I'll get you of your cell
I promise to help you escape from the prison where you are being held captive, my brother in arms.

Your future meets your pride that's all that remains
Once you are free, you will have to face the aftermath of your actions, but at least you will have your dignity and integrity intact.

I live in this land you frown upon
My home is looked down upon and disapproved of by many outsiders.

I live in this land of hot sand
I live in a place where the climate is hot and dry, and the terrain is predominantly covered in sand.

I live in this land of wrong
I live in a society where many injustices and wrongdoings have taken place.

This land I live lies in this land
This place where I reside is a small part of a larger country or territory.

Contributed by Madison Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS