Finale
I. Stravinsky / I. Tomita Lyrics


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Aue, aue
We set a course to find
A brand new island everywere we roam
Aue, aue
We keep our island in our mind
And when it's time to find home
We know the way
Aue, aue
We are explorers reading every sign
We tell the stories of our elders in a never-ending chain

Aue, aue
Te fenua, te malie




Na heko hakilia
We know the way

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "Finale" by I. Stravinsky / I. Tomita is a combination of two cultures – Polynesian and Western classical music. The song starts with the Polynesian phrase "Aue, aue," which means "Alas!" or "Oh no!" and is often used in traditional chants and songs. However, in this context, it serves as a celebratory call to action, signaling a journey to a new island. The chorus repeats this phrase, followed by "We set a course to find a brand new island everywhere we roam." It suggests that the explorers are on a voyage of discovery and are open to new experiences and adventures.


The second verse of the song states, "We keep our island in our mind and when it's time to find home, we know the way." The lyrics here emphasize that, despite their wanderings, the explorers always keep their home in their mind and know the way back. This suggests that the message behind the song is that home is not merely a physical place but also a state of mind. Even when the explorers are far away, they have their memories and culture, which guide them back.


The final verse of the song features the Polynesian phrase "Te fenua, te malie, Na heko hakilia" or "The land, the calmness, undefiled." The phrase speaks to the beauty and serenity of nature, which the explorers seek to preserve through their cultural practices. The song's grand finale brings together the two cultural traditions in a synthesis of Western classical music and Polynesian singing.


Line by Line Meaning

Aue, aue
Expression of excitement or anticipation


We set a course to find
We have decided on a direction to search


A brand new island everywere we roam
Our goal is to discover new places


We keep our island in our mind
Our memories of home remain with us


And when it's time to find home
When it's necessary, we know how to get back


We know the way
We have the knowledge and skills to navigate


We are explorers reading every sign
We actively search for information to guide us


We tell the stories of our elders in a never-ending chain
We pass on the knowledge and experiences of our predecessors to future generations


Te fenua, te malie
Expression of peacefulness and tranquility


Na heko hakilia
Unknown meaning – may be a reference to a specific location or culture


We know the way
Reiteration of our confidence in our abilities to navigate and explore




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Tavita Foa'i

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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