Hangi Tonight
Dennis Marsh Lyrics
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Pipis ka pai
We'll have a Moari hangi tonight
We'll have puha with our pork
Waipiro while we talk
We'll have a Maori hangi tonight
Get the stones red and hot
Put more puha in the pot
(a hi aue aue)
Watch the haka by the boys
Wahine and their pois
We'll have a Maori hangi tonight
With Hipi on the guitar
Someone play the harmonica
We'll have a Maori hangi tonight
We'll gather all the whanau
Make sure our friends all know
We'll have a Maori hangi tonight
Get the stones red and hot
Put more ouha in the pot
And we'll have a Maori hangi tonight
(a hi aue aue)
Watch the haka by the boys
Wahine and their pois
We'll have a Maori hangi tonight
We'll have hangi for our kai
Pipis ka pai
We'll have a Maori hangi tonight
We'll have puha with our pork
Waipiro while we talk
We'll have a Maori hangi tonight
So get the stones red and hot
Put more puha in the pot
And we'll have a Maori hangi tonight
(a hi aue aue)
Watch the haka by the boys
Wahine and their pois
We'll have a Maori hangi tonight (yes we will)
We'll have a Maori hangi tonight (alright one more time)
We'll have a Maori hangi tonight
Tonight, tonight
Tahi rua toru wha
Hi aue hi
The lyrics of Dennis Marsh's "Hangi Tonight" describe the traditional Maori process and feast of a hangi. The song invites the whanau (family) and friends to gather and be a part of the preparation and celebration of a Maori hangi. The lyrics mention different food items such as puha, pipis, and pork that will be enjoyed during the feast. "Puha" is a type of green vegetable that is commonly added to a hangi while "pipis" are small edible shellfish commonly found in New Zealand. "Waipiro" means alcoholic drink, and while the song doesn't specify what kind of drink it is, it is common for beer to be consumed during a hangi.
The song also mentions the traditional Maori dance known as the haka. It is usually performed by men and consists of vigorous movements accompanied by chanting and stomping. Women perform their own dance with the use of poi balls which are fastened to ropes making it twirl around, while they sing and dance in synchronization. The music being played is indicated as being performed on a guitar and harmonica.
Overall, "Hangi Tonight" is a celebratory song that highlights the social and cultural importance of sharing food and engaging in traditional activities with family and friends.
Line by Line Meaning
We'll have hangi for our kai
We will have a traditional Māori feast called 'hangi' as our food
Pipis ka pai
Clams will be good
We'll have a Moari hangi tonight
Tonight we will be having a traditional Māori feast called a 'hangi'
We'll have puha with our pork
Accompanying the pork, we will have a vegetable called 'puha'
Waipiro while we talk
We will consume an alcoholic beverage called 'waipiro' while we socialize
Get the stones red and hot
Prepare the stones by heating them until they turn red
Put more puha in the pot
Add more of the puha vegetable into the pot
And we'll have a Maori hangi tonight
Tonight, we will enjoy the traditional Māori hangi
(a hi aue aue)
(Indicating a Māori chant)
Watch the haka by the boys
Observe the traditional Māori dance known as haka, performed by males
Wahine and their pois
Females will be performing with a prop called poi
With Hipi on the guitar
The person named Hipi will play the guitar
Someone play the harmonica
Another will play the harmonica
We'll gather all the whanau
We will bring together all of our extended family
Make sure our friends all know
Our friends will be informed of the event
Get the stones red and hot
Heat the stones to prepare them for cooking
Put more ouha in the pot
Add more of the puha vegetable to the pot
And we'll have a Maori hangi tonight
Tonight, we will partake in the traditional Māori feast
(a hi aue aue)
(Indicating a Māori chant)
Watch the haka by the boys
View the traditional Māori dance performed by males
Wahine and their pois
Females will perform with poi
We'll have a Maori hangi tonight (yes we will)
We are really going to partake in a traditional Māori hangi feast tonight (emphasizing agreement)
We'll have a Maori hangi tonight (alright one more time)
We will be having a traditional Māori hangi feast tonight (repeated for emphasis)
We'll have a Maori hangi tonight
Tonight, we will enjoy a traditional Māori hangi feast
Tonight, tonight
This evening
Tahi rua toru wha
A Māori counting chant
Hi aue hi
A Māori chant
Contributed by Hudson O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.