Hawaiian War Chant
Ball Kenny 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
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 Ball Kenny's song "Hawaiian War Chant" celebrate the power of music to bring people together and cross cultural boundaries. According to the song, the melody was started by a native person in Waikiki who would gather a crowd by the sea to play their "gay" Hawaiian chant. Eventually, other natives began singing it and hula hula maidens (dancers) began swinging to it like a tropical storm. The singer notes that the song's popularity has spread far beyond Hawaii to places like Tennessee or Iowa, and that it can be heard in any cabaret.
Line by Line Meaning
There's a sunny little funny little melody
There exists a bright and amusing tune
That was started by a native down in Waikiki
The melody was initiated by a local inhabitant of Waikiki
He would gather a crowd down beside the sea
The native would assemble a group on the beach
And they'd play his gay Hawaiian chant
They would perform the joyous Hawaiian melody
Soon the other little natives started singin' it
The other indigenous people began to vocalize the tune
And the hula hula maidens started swingin' it
Additionally, the hula dancers started dancing to the music
Like a tropical storm that's the way it hit
The song's impact was comparable to a storm in the tropics
Funny little gay Hawaiian Chant
A whimsical and jovial chant from Hawaii
Ow way tah tualan Me big bad fightin' man
The lyrics include the phrase 'Ow way tah tualan' which is used by a character in the song to assert his strength and masculinity
Tho it started on an island down Hawaii way
Despite the origin of the tune being on a Hawaiian island
It's as popular in Tennessee or Ioway
The song has gained popularity even in distant states like Tennessee and Iowa
If you wander into any cabaret
If you were to visit a nightspot
You will hear this gay Hawaiian Chant
You are certain to hear the lighthearted tune from Hawaii
Lyrics © EMI Music Publishing
Written by: JOHNNY NOBLE, RALPH FREED
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
layde1
Wow, that clarinet went right through me. Excellent.
Peter Clifford
Love this, great arrangement and beautifully played, brilliant
Robin Wilson
I LOVE Kenny Ball, and "Chimes Blues" is one of my favourites - not seen this video before - thanks for sharing!
Peter Clifford
It's fabulous and the chimes blend together beautifully, superb!
Robin Wilson
The best version I have heard of this by KB is in the Pye Jazz Anthology Vol 1 - unfortunately, it does not seem to be on YouTube!
Robin Wilson
It is now!!
Jim Tancock
Great memories there.
Patricia Ogilvie
Chime and chime again Kenny will always be here.
supermellowman 40
excellent!! much love x
Robin Wilson
Dave Jones on clarinet - ace player!