Chant
Jimmy Lyrics


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There's a sunny little funny little melody
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
Ow way tah tualan Me big bad fightin' man
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

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Jimmy's song "Chant" convey a lighthearted and carefree mood, with references to Hawaiian and native culture. The song opens up with a description of a "sunny little melody" that was started by a native down in Waikiki. The melody eventually gathers a crowd and becomes popular amongst other natives who started singing it. Additionally, the hula hula maidens joined in and began "swinging" to the tune, further building the popularity of the song. The lyrics also illustrate how the song has become popular beyond Hawaii and is now common in places like Tennessee or Ioway, where people can hear the "gay Hawaiian Chant" in cabarets.


Overall, the lyrics paint a picture of a happy and lively time, with people coming together to enjoy the catchy tune. The reference to Hawaiian culture is a nod to the song's origin and adds to the exotic appeal of the tune. The song's upbeat and carefree vibe made it an instant hit when it was first released, and people continue to enjoy it today.


Line by Line Meaning

There's a sunny little funny little melody
There is a pleasant and cheerful tune.


That was started by a native down in Waikiki
The tune was originated by one of the natives from Waikiki.


He would gather a crowd down beside the sea
The native would gather a group of people near the shore.


And they'd play his gay Hawaiian chant
They would play the tune created by the native in a happy and gay manner.


Soon the other little natives started singin' it
Eventually, other natives started singing the same tune.


And the hula hula maidens started swingin' it
The hula hula ladies began to move to the tune with swaying dance steps.


Like a tropical storm that's the way it hit
The tune spread rapidly like a tropical storm.


Funny little gay Hawaiian Chant
The tune is a cheerful, gay Hawaiian Chant.


Ow way tah tualan Me big bad fightin' man
The tune contains some Hawaiian lyrics that mean 'I am a strong fighting man'.


Tho it started on an island down Hawaii way
Although the tune originated on an island in Hawaii.


It's as popular in Tennessee or Ioway
Despite its Hawaiian roots, the tune is equally popular in other states like Tennessee or Ioway.


If you wander into any cabaret
If you go to any bar or nightclub.


You will hear this gay Hawaiian Chant
You will hear people playing and singing this happy and gay Hawaiian chant.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave
Written by: JOHNNY NOBLE, RALPH FREED

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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