Hawaiian War Chant
Johnny Pineapple and his Orchestra 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 Johnny Pineapple and his Orchestra's song Hawaiian War Chant are a celebration of a playful and infectious melody, supposedly invented by a native of Waikiki who would gather crowds by the sea to sing it. As other natives joined in and the hula hula maidens began to dance to it, the melody became a sensation, hitting like a tropical storm. The melody is characterized by the use of the syllables "ow way tah tualan" and the mention of a "big bad fightin' man" in the lyrics. The song has its roots in Hawaii but has spread beyond its shores, becoming popular even in places as far as Tennessee and Iowa. It is a staple in cabarets and other performance venues.
Line by Line Meaning
There's a sunny little funny little melody
There exists a happy, lively tune
That was started by a native down in Waikiki
A person from Waikiki initiated the melody
He would gather a crowd down beside the sea
The person would bring people together near the ocean
And they'd play his gay Hawaiian chant
The group would perform the joyful Hawaiian chant
Soon the other little natives started singin' it
Eventually, other locals began singing it too
And the hula hula maidens started swingin' it
The female dancers started performing to this tune
Like a tropical storm that's the way it hit
The reception to the tune was widespread and powerful
Funny little gay Hawaiian Chant
This lighthearted Hawaiian chant became well-liked
Ow way tah tualan Me big bad fightin' man
A traditional Hawaiian chant phrase, which signifies bravery
Tho it started on an island down Hawaii way
Despite originating on a Hawaiian island
It's as popular in Tennessee or Ioway
This song is appreciated outside of Hawaii too
If you wander into any cabaret
At any performance venue
You will hear this gay Hawaiian Chant
You're sure to come across this joyous Hawaiian tune
Lyrics © EMI Music Publishing
Written by: JOHNNY NOBLE, RALPH FREED
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind