MICHAEL-THOMAS FOUMAI
COMPOSER

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.