Cravalho was born in Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi, and is of Native Hawaiian, Portuguese, Chinese, and Irish descent.
At the time she was cast in Moana, Cravalho lived in Mililani, Hawaii, with her mother, and was in her freshman year of high school at Kamehameha Schools-Kapālama campus. She has claimed that she was initially not going to audition because "there were already so many great submissions over YouTube". However, an agent from Oahu recognized her talent and encouraged her to audition for the role.
The Walt Disney Company has stated that hundreds of Polynesian women auditioned for the role, and Cravalho was the last person to audition.
Know Who You Are
Auli'i Cravalho Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I have crossed the horizon to find you
(Ou loto mamaina toa)
I know your name
(Manatu atu)
They have stolen the heart from inside you
(Taku pelepele)
But this does not define you
This is not who you are
You know who you are
The lyrics to Auli'i Cravalho's song "Know Who You Are" is a powerful message of self-discovery and self-reliance. The first line, "Ou mata e matagi," which translates to "I have crossed the horizon to find you," signifies a journey to find oneself, as if embarking on a voyage across an ocean to find one's true identity. The second line, "Ou loto mamaina toa," meaning "I know your name," can be interpreted as finding one's own sense of self-awareness and self-knowledge.
The following lines, "They have stolen the heart from inside you, But this does not define you," could be interpreted as a reflection of the various external factors, societal norms, or circumstances that can influence and shape one's identity, yet ultimately not define it. Finally, the last two lines, "This is not who you are, You know who you are," serve as a reminder of one's individuality and the importance of recognizing and embracing one's true identity.
Line by Line Meaning
(Ou mata e matagi)
I have traveled far to reach you.
(Ou loto mamaina toa)
I feel your spirit within me.
(Manatu atu)
Others have hurt you deeply.
(Taku pelepele)
Their actions do not control you.
(Manatunatu)
You are more than your past experiences.
This is not who you are
Your true identity is not defined by others.
You know who you are
You have the power to define yourself.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Lin-Manuel Miranda, Mark A. Mancina, Opetaia Tavita Foa'i
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind