These artists redefine Hawaiian Music, and to omit listening to it based on a preconceived idea of what is Hawaiian is to miss a rich and vibrant new sound. Overall the tone is upbeat, and the mood celebratory/loving, and fun.
Redemption Song
HAPA Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Sold I to the merchant ship
Minutes after they took I
From the bottomless pit
But my hand was made strong
By the hand of the almighty
We forward in this generation
Won′t you help to sing
These songs of freedom
Cause all I ever had,
Redemption songs
Redemption songs
Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery
None but ourselves can free our mind
Have no fear for atomic energy
For none of them can stop the time
How long shall they kill our prophets
While we stand aside and look
Some say it's just a part of it
We′ve got to fulfill the book
Won't you help to sing
Another song of freedom
Cause all I ever had,
Redemption songs
Redemption songs
The lyrics to HAPA's song "Redemption Song" are a powerful commentary on the struggles of slavery and oppression, as well as a call for freedom and redemption. The first verse tells the story of a person who was taken captive by pirates and sold into slavery. However, despite this difficult circumstance, the person's hand was made strong by the almighty, and they chose to move forward in triumph.
The chorus of the song is a plea for help in singing songs of freedom and redemption. The singer asks for assistance in spreading the message of freedom, and emphasizes the importance of these "redemption songs."
The second verse speaks to the importance of freeing oneself from mental slavery - the idea that one can be held captive by their own limiting beliefs or societal expectations. The verse encourages listeners to not fear atomic energy, as it cannot stop the forward march of progress and change.
The final lines of the song touch on the violence and oppression that has been committed against prophets and thinkers throughout history. The singer reminds listeners that it is up to them to fulfill the book and continue the struggle for freedom and justice.
Overall, "Redemption Song" is a powerful anthem for those struggling against oppression, reminding listeners to fight for their own freedom and the freedom of others.
Line by Line Meaning
Old pirates yes they rob I
The singer was once robbed and taken captive by ruthless pirates.
Sold I to the merchant ship
He was then sold to a merchant ship to be used as labor.
Minutes after they took I
He was taken immediately after being robbed.
From the bottomless pit
He felt like he was in an incredibly dark place with no escape.
But my hand was made strong
Despite everything he has been through, he has found strength.
By the hand of the almighty
He owes this strength to a higher power.
We forward in this generation
The singer and his peers are moving forward and progressing together.
Triumphantly
They feel confident and successful in their journey for redemption.
Won't you help to sing
The singer is asking for assistance and support from his listeners.
These songs of freedom
Singing about freedom and redemption is something that can bring them closer to it.
Cause all I ever had, Redemption songs Redemption songs
The singer highly values the power of these songs and how they can bring about redemption.
Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery
The singer is encouraging listeners to break free from negative thought patterns that keep them from being truly free.
None but ourselves can free our mind
Ultimately, the only way to achieve true freedom is through our own mental efforts.
Have no fear for atomic energy
Despite the dangers of the modern world, we should not be ruled by fear.
For none of them can stop the time
No external force can halt the unstoppable force of time.
How long shall they kill our prophets
The singer is commenting on the senseless violence and oppression that still exists in the world.
While we stand aside and look
He is calling for people to take action and not be complacent in the face of injustice.
Some say it's just a part of it
Some may say that violence and injustice are just an unfortunate aspect of human nature.
We've got to fulfill the book
But the singer believes that they can overcome these obstacles and create a better future.
Won't you help to sing
Once again, the singer is asking for support and encouragement from his listeners.
Another song of freedom
Another song that celebrates and strives for true freedom and redemption.
Cause all I ever had, Redemption songs Redemption songs
The singer truly believes in the power of these songs to bring about change and redemption.
Writer(s): Marley Bob
Contributed by Aria M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.