Mele Kalikimaka
KT Tunstall (Holiday) Lyrics
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On a bright Hawaiian Christmas Day
That's the island greeting that we send to you
From the land where palm trees sway
Here we know that Christmas will be green and bright
The sun to shine by day and all the stars at night
Mele Kalikimaka is Hawaii's way
The song Mele Kalikimaka by KT Tunstall is a cheerful and festive tune that celebrates the unique Hawaiian experience of Christmas. The song opens with the lyrics "Mele Kalikimaka is the thing to say," which is the traditional Hawaiian greeting for Merry Christmas. The singer goes on to describe the beautiful weather and scenery that Hawaii enjoys during the holiday season, with bright sunshine by day and twinkling stars at night. It is a time when palm trees sway in the breeze and the island is awash with vibrant greenery.
The chorus of the song summarizes the meaning behind the title Mele Kalikimaka, which is Hawaii's way of saying Merry Christmas to all. The song is a joyful tribute to the diverse cultural mix that makes Hawaii such a special place, and the unique way in which the state celebrates the holidays. Overall, Mele Kalikimaka is an upbeat and festive song guaranteed to put a smile on anyone's face.
Line by Line Meaning
Mele Kalikimaka is the thing to say
The phrase Mele Kalikimaka is the best thing to say on Christmas in Hawaii.
On a bright Hawaiian Christmas Day
During a sunny and cheerful Christmas day in Hawaii.
That's the island greeting that we send to you
This is the traditional Hawaiian greeting that we send to our loved ones.
From the land where palm trees sway
From the beautiful land where palm trees are moving with the breeze.
Here we know that Christmas will be green and bright
We are aware that Christmas in Hawaii will be colorful and cheerful due to the natural surroundings.
The sun to shine by day and all the stars at night
Expect sunny days and starry nights during your Hawaiian Christmas holiday.
Mele Kalikimaka is Hawaii's way
The phrase Mele Kalikimaka is exclusively Hawaii's traditional way.
To say 'Merry Christmas to you.'
To express our best wishes and say Merry Christmas to those we love.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, DEMI MUSIC CORP. D/B/A LICHELLE MUSIC COMPANY
Written by: R. ALEX ANDERSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@amb8190
Thanks Vernon for mentioning this today ❤
@AlleGrenade
This is one my parrots 🦜 FAVORITE songs ever!
@davidlyons3678
Absolutely love this version.
@catmadwoman6317
Only heard this today for the first time on Radio 2. Why isn't it played more often, its terrific and should be played very loud. Thank you KT.
@danieljones963
A Christmas staple. ❤
@edicatandaricpiskulic7190
This is the best Mele Kalikimaka! The best voice and the music!
@multilinkacs
Brilliant version. Love the intro, lollipops playing on a skeleton, then the kazoos ! what more could you ask for !
@BBQ1953
Haven’t heard this song, literally in decades and what a treat it was to hear Kate’s version! Thank you, Ms. Tunstall, for that trip down memory lane.
@chrisredditch
Played today on The Ken Bruce Show! Full of Nuts and brilliance.
@oldschoolguy2775
A new Xmas tune - excellent! An old song, but I've never heard it before by anyone. Thank you, KT - and Mele Kalikimaka to you, too!