Wiliwiliwai - Words & music
by Liliʻuokalani |
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E ka wiliwiliwai Koʻiawe i ka laʻi A heaha kau hana E naue mālie nei Hui: Ei nei, ei nei E poahi mai nei Ahea, ahea ʻOe kaohi mai O kīpau o ia la Ua nihinihi Kuʻu iki iho hoʻi I inu aku au |
O lawn sprinkler Circling quietly What are you doing As you silently revolve? Chorus: Say there, say there You revolving object When, oh when Will you slow down Unusually active Sending out sprays like rain Lessen your speed That I may drink |
Source: Pukui Collection - As the Queen was sitting on her lānai at Washington Place, she saw something unusual next door in Dr. McKibben’s yard, a lawn sprinkler going round and round. Fascinated, the Queen watched for a long time spinning this tune to its rhythm. Told to Mrs. Pukui by Lahilahi Webb, the Queen's lady-in-waiting. Translated by Mary Pukui |