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LILIʻUOKALANI 

Ke Aloha O Ka Haku [The Queen’s Prayer] (1895)

Arranged By Moon Kauakahi

Orchestrated By David Kauahikaua

This well-known hymn was written on March 22, 1895, just weeks after Liliʻuokalani was imprisoned for alleged knowledge of a plot to return her to the throne. The song asks the Lord’s forgiveness of those who wronged her, and is dedicated to her niece, Victoria Kaʻiulani. The Queen noted on the manuscript of this song, “Composed during my imprisonment at ʻIolani Palace by the missionary party who overthrew my government.” (Moon Kauakahi)

ʻO kou aloha nō

Aia i ka lani

A ʻo kou ʻoiaʻiʻo

He hemolele hoʻi.

 

Koʻu noho mihi ʻana

A paʻahao ʻia

ʻO ʻoe kuʻu lama

Kou nani koʻu koʻo.

 

Mai nānā ʻinoʻino

Nā hewa o kānaka

Akā, e huikala

A maʻemaʻe nō.

 

No laila, e Ka Haku

Ma lalo o kou ʻēheu

Ko mākou maluhia

A mau loa aku nō

ʻĀmene.

*Compiled by Michael-Thomas Foumai. Digitally published for the Hawaiʻi Symphony Sheraton Starlight Series on June 4-6 2021.

Your love

Is there in Heaven

And your truth

Is filled with sanctity.

 

As I reflect on wrong doings

In my imprisonment

You are my light

Your glory my support.

 

Look not negatively

Upon the sins of men

But, forgive

That we shall be pure.

 

Therefore, O Lord

Beneath your winds

Shall be our peace

Now and forever

Amen.

Copyright © 2023 Michael-Thomas Foumai. All rights reserved.

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