Hawaiian War Chant
Morton Gould 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 Morton Gould and His Orchestra's song "Hawaiian War Chant" speak of the origin and spread of a popular melody that originated in Waikiki. The song was started by a native who would gather a crowd down by the sea to play his gay Hawaiian chant. The catchy melody soon caught on with other natives and hula hula maidens who started singing and swinging to it like a tropical storm. Despite originating on an island down in Hawaii, the melody became popular in places as far away as Tennessee or Ioway. The song has become a staple in any cabaret, and when you wander into one, you will undoubtedly hear this gay Hawaiian chant.
The lyrics of "Hawaiian War Chant" provide insight into the infectious nature of music and how it spreads across cultures and regions. The song highlights the universal appeal of music and how it transcends cultural barriers. The song's upbeat melody and catchy lyrics make it a hit dance number, which continues to be popular to this day. "Hawaiian War Chant" is a testament to the intercultural exchange that occurs through music and the ability of music to bring people together.
Line by Line Meaning
There's a sunny little funny little melody
There exists a bright, lively tune that's both cheerful and humorous
That was started by a native down in Waikiki
This melody originated from a local resident from the Waikiki area
He would gather a crowd down beside the sea
The native would gather others by the ocean to sing and play the melody
And they'd play his gay Hawaiian chant
Together, they would perform the joyful Hawaiian Chant
Soon the other little natives started singin' it
As time went on, other locals learned the melody and sang along
And the hula hula maidens started swingin' it
Even the traditional hula dancers were swaying to the catchy tune
Like a tropical storm that's the way it hit
The song spread quickly and powerfully, like an intense storm
Funny little gay Hawaiian Chant
This playful, happy Hawaiian melody
Ow way tah tualan Me big bad fightin' man
A phrase from the Chant, meaning 'I am a fierce warrior'
Tho it started on an island down Hawaii way
Despite its origin on a Hawaiian island,
It's as popular in Tennessee or Ioway
This melody has become equally well-known in states like Tennessee or Iowa
If you wander into any cabaret
If you visit any nightclub or entertainment venue,
You will hear this gay Hawaiian Chant
You will likely hear this lively and happy Hawaiian Chant tune
Lyrics © EMI Music Publishing
Written by: JOHNNY NOBLE, RALPH FREED
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind