From the recording Te Vaka's Great Hits - Song That Inspired Moana
"A song for my father. In search of a better way of life, my father left the small island of Fakaofo in Tokelau This song is about the feelings, emotions and sadness he experienced as he watched the coconut palms and shoreline disappear as he sailed away from Tokelau for the first time." Opetaia
Tokelau language
PAPA E (Father)
Lyrics & Music - Opetaia Foa'i
Hihiki mai i faifaiga o te fenua
e he puli au ite olaga masani
he mafai fakapuli ite loto
ite loto o papa e
aue ite nuku o papa e
Chorus:
Aue aue Papa e
Aue Papa e
Aue aue Papa e
ite nuku o Papa e
Oku moko mokoga ke toe fanatu
i mea nae masani ai
kata lava e mua mai
te kata o Papa e
aue ite nuku o Papa e
Chorus:
Papa e Translation
Listen Listen
While I tell you of the ways of the land
I shan’t forget those familiar ways
Those joyous memories embedded in
the heart
In the heart of Papa e
In the land of Papa e
CHORUS:
Oh ! Papa e
Oh! Papa e
Oh! Papa e
In the land of Papa e
In my mind I often go there
to places that contain fondest memories
The friendliness the joy the laughter
the laughter of Papa e
In the land of Papa e
© Spirit of Play Productions/Opetaia Foa'i