During the first 6 years, it was all about sports - and of course, gossiping on the phone like normal teenagers. It wasn't until the year Lei was going to graduate (1997) that they stumbled upon the hidden musical talents each other possessed. "The first time I heard Mailani sing at church I was totally blown away. I didn't even know she sang," Lei remembers. "And I remember Lei asking to see my 'ukulele one day at school & she just starting jammin' away like she was Troy Fernandez," says Mailani. After the secrets were out, the two decided to enter a talent show at school and won.
After high school, the girls performed at a few family and graduation parties. In 1999 they began gigging at Coffee Cove Online in Puck's Alley twice a month. After hooking up with producers Aaron Kimura & Jon Yamasato, they finally released their first album, "Local Girls" in May 2001.
The first album won them 5 Na Hoku Hanohano Award nominations, two of which they walked home with that year. Keahiwai's sophomore album, "Satisfied" was released the following year in 2002. The album included the hit song, "Falling" which appealed to an even greater audience than before, taking them across the pacific to the islands of Guam & Saipan to do a summer tour.
After a year's sabbatical, the duo released their third album, "Dangerous" which was also nominated for 2 Hoku awards in 2005. Now the ladies are back in the studio working on their next full length album which promises to be full of even more signature original songs.
Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree
Keahiwai Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
At the Christmas party hop
Mistletoe hung where you can see
Every couple tries to stop
Rockin' around the Christmas tree
Let the Christmas spirit ring
Later we'll have some pumpkin pie
And we'll do some caroling
Voices singing, let's be jolly
Deck the halls with boughs of holly
Rockin' around the Christmas tree
Have a happy holiday
Everyone dancin' merrily
In the new old-fashioned way
You will get a sentimental feeling when you hear
Voices singing, let's be jolly
Deck the halls with boughs of holly
Rockin' around the Christmas tree
Have a happy holiday
Everyone dancin' merrily
In the new old-fashioned way
Keahiwai's "Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree" is a modern take on an all-time favorite Christmas song originally recorded by Brenda Lee in 1958. The lyrics describe a festive scene where people are gathered around a decorated Christmas tree, enjoying the company of each other during a Christmas party. The use of mistletoe to spell out a romantic moment between couples also adds to the overall joyful atmosphere that the song conveys. The song emphasizes the theme of togetherness during the holiday season, with everyone coming together to enjoy the festivities through singing, dancing, and partaking in delicious treats such as pumpkin pie.
The lyrics also provide a nostalgic and sentimental feeling that is synonymous with the holiday season. The use of the words "sentimental feeling" and "let's be jolly" evoke memories of past Christmas celebrations and the warmth of being surrounded by loved ones. The lyrics also provide a sense of timelessness and tradition with the mention of "decking the halls with boughs of holly" and "the new old-fashioned way." This song emphasizes the importance of creating memories that will be cherished for years to come while celebrating the season with simplicity, love, and joy.
Line by Line Meaning
Rockin' around the Christmas tree
We are dancing in circles around the brightly decorated Christmas tree
At the Christmas party hop
We are at a lively holiday gathering where people are hopping and moving to music
Mistletoe hung where you can see
There is mistletoe conspicuously placed for couples to share a romantic moment under
Every couple tries to stop
Couples pause their dancing to share a kiss under the mistletoe
Let the Christmas spirit ring
The joyous and festive energy of Christmas should pervade the atmosphere
Later we'll have some pumpkin pie
We will enjoy a delicious sweet treat made from pumpkin later in the evening
And we'll do some caroling
We will sing classic Christmas songs door to door in the neighborhood
Deck the halls with boughs of holly
Adorn the halls with fragrant and festive evergreen branches
Have a happy holiday
Wishing you a joyous and memorable holiday season
Everyone dancin' merrily
All the guests are enjoying themselves, dancing with joyful and light-hearted spirit
In the new old-fashioned way
We're dancing and celebrating like they did in the good old days, but with a modern twist
You will get a sentimental feeling when you hear
The music and festivities will evoke nostalgic and heartfelt emotions
Voices singing, let's be jolly
People are cheerfully singing together, becoming more and more joyful
Contributed by Olivia K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.