Hawaiian War Chant
The Hit Crew Lyrics
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It 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
And the hula hula maidens starting swinging it
Like a tropical storm, that's the way it hit
Funny little gay Hawaiian chant
Au we ta huala
Au we ta huala
Though 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
Au we ta huala
Au we ta huala
Au we atuala
Au we atuala
There's a sunny little, funny little melody
It 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 singing it
And the hula hula maidens starting swinging it
Like a tropical storm, that's the way it hit
Funny little gay Hawaiian chant
Au we ta huala
Au we ta huala
Au we atuala
Au we
Funny little gay Hawaiian chant
Funny little gay Hawaiian chant
Funny little gay Hawaiian chant
The lyrics of "Hawaiian War Chant" by The Hit Crew describe a catchy, sunny melody that was started by a native in Waikiki, Hawaii. This melody would attract a crowd beside the sea where they would play and sing this "gay" Hawaiian chant. Soon after, more people would start singing it, including the hula hula maidens who would swing to it like a tropical storm. The song has become so popular that even in places like Tennessee and Iowa, it is heard in cabarets. The lyrics close with the repetition of the title, "Funny little gay Hawaiian chant."
The lyrics of this song celebrate the joy and energy of Hawaiian music and dance. The song was originally written in 1929 by Prince Leleiohoku, Prince Kalakaua and Johnny Noble for a royal Hawaiian hula. The composition was originally known as "The Royal Hawaiian Hotel" but later became better known as the "Hawaiian War Chant." The melody and lyrics embody romantic and exoticized imagery of the Hawaiian Islands that has become synonymous with paradise and escapism. The popularity of this song has persisted for decades and has been featured in films and television shows.
Line by Line Meaning
There's a sunny little, funny little melody
The song is light-hearted and upbeat in nature.
It was started by a native down in Waikiki
The song was first created by a native from the Waikiki area.
He would gather a crowd down beside the sea
The creator of the song would gather people by the ocean to play it for them.
And they'd play his gay Hawaiian Chant
The crowd and the creator would play the lively Hawaiian song.
Soon the other little natives started singing it
Other natives learned the song and started singing it as well.
And the hula hula maidens starting swinging it
Dancers began incorporating the song into their hula performances.
Like a tropical storm, that's the way it hit
The song became an instant hit that spread quickly and fiercely like a storm.
Au we ta huala
This phrase is a repetition of a part of the chorus of the song.
Though it started on an island down Hawaii way
Despite the song's origins being from the Hawaiian islands,
It's as popular in Tennessee or Ioway
It has gained great popularity even in the US states of Tennessee and Iowa.
If you wander into any cabaret
If you go into any dance club or music venue,
You will hear this gay Hawaiian chant
There is a high chance that you will hear this fun and lively Hawaiian song.
Au we atuala
This phrase is another repetition of a part of the chorus of the song.
There's a sunny little, funny little melody
The song's catchy tune is emphasized once more.
It was started by a native down in Waikiki
The origin of the song is reiterated.
He would gather a crowd down beside the sea
The location where the song was first played is described once again.
And they'd play his gay Hawaiian Chant
The song's title is mentioned once more to emphasize its popularity.
Soon the other little natives started singing it
The song's rapid spread across the island is described again.
And the hula hula maidens starting swinging it
The extent to which Hawaiian dancers incorporated the song is reiterated.
Like a tropical storm, that's the way it hit
The song's quick and powerful reception is emphasized once more.
Au we ta huala
The repetition of the song's chorus is mentioned once again.
Au we atuala
Another repetition of the song's chorus is described.
Au we ta huala
The final repetition of the song's distinctive chorus is mentioned.
Funny little gay Hawaiian chant
The chorus is described once more, emphasizing the song's lively nature.
Funny little gay Hawaiian chant
The same chorus is repeated to further emphasize the song's energy and uniqueness.
Funny little gay Hawaiian chant
The final repetition of the chorus sums up the overall theme of the song.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave
Written by: JOHNNY NOBLE, RALPH FREED
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Michael Friedman
Excellent musical performance !