He Kākano Āhau (Cover) | New Zealand Māori Folk Song

He Kākano Āhau (Cover) | New Zealand Māori Folk Song
Written by Hohepa Tamehana
This recently-written song uses an old proverb to remind us
of the rich ancestry of the Maori language.

Music by me

#newzealand #māori #waiata #tereo #polynesian #acoustic #acousticcover

Lyrics and English Translation:

HE KAKANO AHAU

He kākano āhau (I am a seed)
I ruia mai i Rangiatea (Scattered from Rangiatea)
And I can never be lost
I am a seed, born of greatness
Descended from a line of chiefs,
He kākano āhau (I am a seed)

Ki hea rā āu e hītekiteki ana (Wherever I may roam)
Ka mau tonu i āhau ōku tikanga (I will hold fast to my traditions)
Tōku reo, tōku oho-oho, (My language is my cherished possession)
Tōku reo, tōku māpihi maurea (My language is the object of my affection)
Tōku whakakai marihi (My precious adornment)
My language is my strength,
An ornament of grace

Ka tū ana āhau (Whenever I stand)
Ka ūhia au e ōku tīpuna (I am clothed by my ancestors)
My pride I will show
That you may know who I am
I am a warrior, a survivor
He mōrehu āhau (I am a remnant)

Ki hea rā āu e hītekiteki ana (Wherever I may roam)
Ka mau tonu i āhau ōku tikanga (I will hold fast to my traditions)
Tōku reo, tōku oho-oho, (My language is my cherished possession)
Tōku reo, tōku māpihi maurea (My language is the object of my affection)
Tōku whakakai marihi (My precious adornment)
My language is my strength,
An ornament of grace

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