Hawaiian War Chant
Tommy Dorsey And His Orchstra 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 song "Hawaiian War Chant" is a joyful and upbeat melody that originated in Waikiki by a native. It started as a small gathering down by the sea where the crowd would play the gay Hawaiian chant. Soon, other natives started singing it and the hula hula maidens started swinging to it. The song is referred to as a tropical storm because of the way it hits people. The lyrics of the song say: "Ow way tah tualan Me big bad fightin' man," which is a Hawaiian battle cry used to intimidate enemies.
Despite originating on an island in Hawaii, the Hawaiian War Chant became popular in other states such as Tennessee and Iowa. It's become a favorite in cabarets where it's widely played. The song is an homage to Hawaiian culture and the joyful demeanor of the people. The song's happy and optimistic nature is contagious, and it's been popular for years. Hawaiian culture is beautiful, and the Hawaiian War Chant serves to honor that beauty.
Line by Line Meaning
There's a sunny little funny little melody
There is a joyous and humorous melody that is being referred to.
That was started by a native down in Waikiki
This melody was created by a local indigenous resident from Waikiki.
He would gather a crowd down beside the sea
The native would assemble a group next to the seaside.
And they'd play his gay Hawaiian chant
Together, they would perform the dynamic and lively Hawaiian song.
Soon the other little natives started singin' it
Other small groups of locals then swiftly adopted the song as well.
And the hula hula maidens started swingin' it
The traditional hula dancers got involved in the action and began dancing to the tune.
Like a tropical storm that's the way it hit
The song had such an impact that it felt like an intense tropical storm had hit the island.
Funny little gay Hawaiian Chant
The song has an amusing and cheerful melody that is associated with Hawaii.
Ow way tah tualan Me big bad fightin' man
This line is nonsensical and imitates the sound of the Hawaiian language without any meaning.
Tho it started on an island down Hawaii way
Despite the song originating on an island in Hawaii, it has spread and become popular in various other parts of the world.
It's as popular in Tennessee or Ioway
The song has become so popular that it is now commonly played and enjoyed in places as far away as Tennessee or Iowa.
If you wander into any cabaret
If you happen to visit any bar, nightclub or restaurant with live music,
You will hear this gay Hawaiian Chant
It is highly likely that you will hear this cheerful Hawaiian song being played or sung as it is such a popular tune.
Lyrics © EMI Music Publishing
Written by: JOHNNY NOBLE, RALPH FREED
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@STho205
Those are my two favorite hot music big band arrangements of the late 30s. Both are instrumental rock....for the rock and roll jitterbug dance beat popular in 1937 to 41. It got rediscovered in 1955 in shortform for 45s.
Goodman's variation on Louie Primas Sing Sing Sing diddy is what I consider the cumulation of a american forms up to that date:
Folk
Ragtime
Symphonic
Sousa
Jewish Jazz
Black Jazz
Italian Jazz
American Indian Traditional
Spanish
All in one longform piece squeezed on two sides of an oversized 78.
@alightthatnevergoesout
Nothing more enjoyable in drumming than whacking the floor tom. I know Buddy had the time of his life playing this music. May God rest his soul.
@sulladrum
As good as this is, the single stroke roll at the end is amazing. He had incredible stamina and speed right up to the end of his life
@chrismorfas7515
Makes ya think our parents and grandparents had a point about their music being pretty good, too.
@jamespfitz
It was GREAT!
@Blaqjaqshellaq
And their movies!
@jamescoulton5138
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@phillipecook3227
It'd be nice to see these suits back in fashion.
@noneofurbusiness5223
Fond memories mid-1960's. 4 family members dancing 💃 in a conga line inside a little house 🏠, two of us under 5 in VaBch.