Nênê Hanu `A`ala (Nênê`s Fragrance) - Words by Mary Jane Montano, Music by Charles E. King


A he nênê hanu `a`ala
Leo nahenahe o ke aloha
I hoene i ka po mahina
Ho`olale mai ana e ala

Hui:
E ala e ku`u hoa ua la`i
Ua kônane e ka mahina
Kui lima ho`i kaua
I ka malu o ka pi`o rose

Ke `awihi mai nei ka hôkû la
Ho`oipo i ke ao naulu
E ka`u aloha la e ala
E inu i ka wai kêhau


The fragrant breath of the nênê
The soft voice of love
Calling softly in the moonlit night
To awake

Chorus:
Arise, O my companion
The light of the moon is bright
Let us go, hand in hand
To the shade of the rose arbor

The stars are blinking
They woo the rain clouds
My beloved, awake
Come and enjoy the view


Source: King's Hawaiian Melodies - Mary Jane Montano composed this song for her daughter, Rose. Nênê is a fragrant grass. Translation by Mary Pukui - Copyright 1915, 43, Charles E. King