Maori song from the north of Auckland

arranged by Sheena Phillips
for soprano, alto, tenor and bass chorus

SATB performance time approx 2m 00s

Music

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Words

1. Pokarekare ana nga wai o waiapu
Whiti atu koe e hine marino ana e.

Chorus

E hine e, hoki mai ra,
Ka mate ahau i te aroha e.

2. Tuhituhi taku reta, tuku atu taku ringi,
Kia kite to iwi, raru raru ana e.

Words based on a love letter by Pairaire Tomoana (early 20th century) and adapted into a camp song by New Zealand army recruits during World War 1. A fascinating history of the song is at http://folksong.org.nz/pokarekare/index.html

1. The waters of Waiapu are agitated.
Cross over, girl, and they will be calm.

Chorus

Girl, please return to me.
I could die of love for you.

2. I've written my letter and I've sent my ring
So that your people can see that I am troubled.

Based on the translation supplied at http://folksong.org.nz/pokarekare/index.html

Price

The price of this piece depends on the number of singers in your group. This is a single payment for a licence to make as many copies as you need for your group to rehearse and perform the song as often as you wish. Copies of the song must not be given, lent or sold to any other group.