Kealiʻi (pronounced Kay-ah-LEE-ee) Reichel was born and raised on the island of Maui. Reichel grew up in the town of Lahaina where he attended Lahainaluna High School, however he spent weekends and summers with his maternal grandmother in the plantation town of Pāʻia. At the age of 24, Reichel was convicted of theft, and was sentenced to community service, which involved a study of Hawaiian culture. This marked a turning point in his life, as he decided to devote the rest of his life to the study and promotion of Hawaiian culture.
Reichel was one of the founding directors for Punana Leo O Maui, a Hawaiian language immersion pre-school. He has taught Hawaiian culture and language at the University of Hawaiʻi's, Maui Community College, and he was the Cultural Resource Specialist and curator at the Bailey House Museum in Wailuku.
Wanting Memories
Keali'i Reichel Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
to see the beauty in the world through my own eyes.
I am sitting here wanting memories to teach me,
to see the beauty in the world through my own eyes.
You used to rock me in the cradle of your arms,
You said you'd hold me till the pains of life were gone.
You said you'd comfort me in times like these and now I need you,
I am sitting here wanting memories to teach me,
to see the beauty in the world through my own eyes.
Since you've gone and left me, there's been so little beauty,
But I know I saw it clearly through your eyes.
Now the world outside is such a cold and bitter place,
Here inside I have few things that will console.
And when I try to hear your voice above the storms of life,
Then I remember all the things that I was told.
I am sitting here wanting memories to teach me,
to see the beauty in the world through my own eyes.
I am sitting here wanting memories to teach me,
to see the beauty in the world through my own eyes.
I think on the things that made me feel so wonderful when i was young.
I think on the things that made me laugh, made me dance, made me sing.
I think on the things that made me grow into a being full of pride.
I think on these things, for they are true.
I am sitting here wanting memories to teach me,
to see the beauty in the world through my own eyes.
I thought that you were gone, but now I know you're with me,
You are the voice that whispers all I need to hear.
I know a please a thank you and a smile will take me far,
I know that I am you and you are me and we are one,
I know that who I am is numbered in each grain of sand,
I know that I've been blessed again, and over again.
I am sitting here wanting memories to teach me,
to see the beauty in the world through my own eyes.
I am sitting here wanting memories to teach me,
to see the beauty in the world through my own eyes.
In Keali'i Reichel's song Wanting Memories, the lyrics express a deep longing to hold onto and cherish the memories of a loved one who has passed away. The song opens with the singer wanting memories to teach him how to see the beauty in the world through his own eyes. He reflects on the past and remembers being comforted by the person who has now passed away. The loss has left him feeling empty and struggling to find beauty in the bitter and cold world around him.
As the song progresses, the singer becomes more introspective, contemplating on the things that made him happy and have contributed to his growth. His perspective shifts as he realizes that the person he thought was gone is still with him - their memories and teachings live on. He finds solace in the thought that a simple please, thank you, or a smile can take him far.
This song is a reflection on the importance of memories and how they assist us in making sense of our experiences. It is a tribute to those who have passed on, acknowledging that although they may no longer be physically present, their spirit lives on in the memories they have left behind.
Line by Line Meaning
I am sitting here wanting memories to teach me, to see the beauty in the world through my own eyes.
The singer desires to learn from past experiences and appreciate the beauty of the world in their own unique way.
You used to rock me in the cradle of your arms, You said you'd hold me till the pains of life were gone. You said you'd comfort me in times like these and now I need you, Now I need you, and you are gone.
The singer reminisces about a time when they were comforted by the person who is now no longer present, causing days to be more difficult.
Since you've gone and left me, there's been so little beauty, But I know I saw it clearly through your eyes.
The singer reflects on how they used to witness the beauty of the world through the eyes of the person who left, and since their departure, the beauty is harder to see and appreciate.
Now the world outside is such a cold and bitter place, Here inside I have few things that will console. And when I try to hear your voice above the storms of life, Then I remember all the things that I was told.
The world seems unforgiving and bleak, with little comfort to be found. However, the singer can hear the comforting voice of the departed one and remembers their wise words in difficult times.
I think on the things that made me feel so wonderful when i was young. I think on the things that made me laugh, made me dance, made me sing. I think on the things that made me grow into a being full of pride. I think on these things, for they are true.
The singer reflects on happy memories of their youth, which brought them joy, laughter, and pride. They hold onto these memories as being authentic and meaningful.
I thought that you were gone, but now I know you're with me, You are the voice that whispers all I need to hear.
The singer realizes that although the person they miss has passed, their influence and presence are always with them as an internal voice of guidance and wisdom.
I know a please a thank you and a smile will take me far, I know that I am you and you are me and we are one, I know that who I am is numbered in each grain of sand, I know that I've been blessed again, and over again.
The singer acknowledges the power of kindness and gratitude, recognizing their connection to the person who left and their shared experiences. They see the beauty in their own existence, feeling blessed to live each day.
Contributed by Nathan B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@ree7.
I am sitting here wanting memories to teach me,
To see the beauty in the world through my own eyes.
I am sitting here wanting memories to teach me,
To see the beauty in the world through my own eyes.
You used to rock me in the cradle of your arms,
You said you'd hold me till the pains of life were gone.
You said you'd comfort me in times like these and now I need you,
Now I need you, and you are gone.
I am sitting here wanting memories to teach me,
To see the beauty in the world through my own eyes.
Since you've gone and left me, there's been so little beauty,
But I know I saw it clearly through your eyes.
Now the world outside is such a cold and bitter place,
Here inside I have few things that will console.
And when I try to hear your voice above the storms of life,
Then I remember all the things that I was told.
I am sitting here wanting memories to teach me,
To see the beauty in the world through my own eyes.
I am sitting here wanting memories to teach me,
To see the beauty in the world through my own eyes.
I think on the things that made me feel so wonderful when i was young.
I think on the things that made me laugh, made me dance, made me sing.
I think on the things that made me grow into a being full of pride.
I think on these things, for they are true.
I am sitting here wanting memories to teach me,
To see the beauty in the world through my own eyes.
I thought that you were gone, but now I know you're with me,
You are the voice that whispers all I need to hear.
I know a please a thank you and a smile will take me far,
I know that I am you and you are me and we are one,
I know that who I am is numbered in each grain of sand,
I know that I've been blessed again, and over again.
I am sitting here wanting memories to teach me,
To see the beauty in the world through my own eyes.
I am sitting here wanting memories to teach me,
To see the beauty in the world through my own eyes.
@Abcdefghijllmnop
Laid my beautiful mother to rest today, years ago she asked that I play this at her service. I did. Now I know why. I love you Mama (Elisabeth Chang)
@mr.safecharliedefensivedri9741
One thing that help me,not gone,but gone ahead.
She lives on through you,stay strong.
Try Lord Jesus
@Kinikia95
I've asked my daughter to do the same. You did a good thing.
@msmaggiemar
I cried many tears to this song when I lost my mom. She was always so proud of her Hawaiian heritage, as am I.
@russdemello8029
💯💪🏾 PROUD 2BE HAWAIIAN
@PockASqueeno
Dammit, why do I have to choke up every time I listen to this song? I’ve heard it a million times, and it still never fails to tug on my heartstrings every single time. It reminds me of my paternal grandmother.
I think I’m going to teach my quartet, Uncalled Four, this song. I just hope I can make my way through the whole song without crying. 😅
@Ma1nguy
You're no yourself
@sonickage
How'd it go? Did you guys leave it?
@patriciachavez6351
I never realized how much your Keali’i Reichel albums would stick with me..until now that you are gone, you used to play them over & over as I grew up & now that I became a mother unknowingly while you left me to paradise..this song really hits me hard.
HAPPY HEAVENLY BIRTHDAY NANA, thank you for everything you have ever done for me & taught me raising me to want to be just like you!
I LOVE & MISS YOU SO MUCH My Guardian Angel.
Until we meet again, OHANA.
@windygail3071
This is the first time i have heard this song. It has me in tears. I lost my father five yrs ago. It's been so hard. This reminds me of him. RIP Papa. You are so very missed. I feel so lost in this big world without you.