Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
Purchasable with gift card
$1USD or more
about
On January 17, 1893, the sovereign Kingdom of Hawai'i was illegally overthrown by a group of American and European businessmen who wanted the islands for their own purposes. Backed by threats of violence from the U.S. military, the insurgents imprisoned Queen Lili'uokalani and coerced her into yielding the land and her authority to a self-appointed provisional government.
The famous song "Aloha 'Oe" was composed by Lili'uokalani in 1878. In total, she wrote over 150 songs and chants, some of them composed during her confinement to express her grief and love for her people.
The chiefs of ancient Hawai'i--the ali'i--wore feathered cloaks of yellow, red, and black, called 'ahu 'ula. These were sacred symbols of office which were held to protect the wearer.
The word "'onipa'a" means steadfast, resolute, to stand firm. This was Queen Lili'uokalani's motto, and today it remains a watchword of Hawaiian independence, sovereignty, and pride.
lyrics
Born into greatness, she was given her name
By the words on the wind in the evening
In torrents of tears, and portents of rain
When all of the seabirds were leaving
Born into freedom, in a free sovereign land
Where gardens grow from mountains of fire
A princess of letters, the law in her hands
To protect her people was her only desire
From her seat at 'Iolani,
Lili'uokalani
The last Queen of Hawai'i
Morning and night she sings
Aloha
And welcomes the stranger who steps on the sand
Speaking only gospel, bringing only sin
Come to steal the 'āina, come to stain the land
With the bloody hands of bloodless men
In her rooms at 'Iolani,
Lili'uokalani
The last Queen of Hawai'i
Even alone, she sings
Aloha
Keeps to the old dreams
Scarlet and gold wings
Mothers and babies
And warriors and old kings
And even alone, she sings
Aloha
Lili'uokalani
Of the House of Kalākaua
Steadfast, she sings
'Onipa'a
'Onipa'a
Lili'uokalani
The last Queen of Hawai'i
***
(This song is written in open-G tuning. In the Hawaiian slack key guitar tradition, this is called "Taro Patch Tuning.")
I could listen to Lauren sing forever. Her writing is vivid and sensitive, sweetly and painfully human--never apologizing for sharp corners and rough edges. The beauty of her spirit shines through. Summer Russell
Singer-songwriter Henry Parker puts his own spin on the classic sounds of '60s and '70s British folk on this wilderness-inspired new LP. Bandcamp New & Notable Nov 9, 2021
The haunting new record from Canadian folk artist Avi C. Engel bridges old and new traditions with a minimalist approach. Bandcamp New & Notable Feb 24, 2024
The Icelandic songwriter packs her stunning debut with sweeping melodies delivered via intimate, folky arrangements. Bandcamp New & Notable Oct 12, 2023
