Wiliwiliwai - Words & music by Lili`uokalani


E ka wiliwiliwai
Ko`iawe i ka la`i
A heaha kau hana
E naue mâlie nei

Hui:
Ei nei, ei nei
E poahi mai nei
Ahea, ahea
`Oe kaohi mai

O kîpau o ia la
Ua nihinihi
Ku`u iki iho ho`i
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 lanai 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