From the recording Kolu
Ipo Lei Momi
(Keali‘i Reichel)
Another mele from one of our favorites, Keali‘i Reichel, this is an account of what happens when lovers have to be quiet so as not to be overheard by the kids, the parents, or…? Ipo means lover or beloved. Lei Momi means pearl necklace.
PERSONNEL
Paula Kauapalaukī Rudman – vocals
Jim Romano – slack key guitar and vocals
Arrangement by Pūlama
Lyrics
ʻAuhea ʻoe ē ka ipo lei momi lā ē
ʻUmeʻume nōweo i ka pōuliuli lā ē
E huli mai ʻoe a honi i ka ihu lā ē
Mai pūlale naʻe o nalo auaneʻi lā ē
Lālau lima a paʻa i ka pono lā ē
ʻOʻeʻoʻe ka nuku i ke kapa moe holu lā ē
Ua lomilomi ʻia a miko ka ʻili lā ē
A nū kāua a paupauaho lā ē
Haʻina ʻia mai ana ka puana lā ē
E shh! kāua o ala nā manu lā ē
Where are you, my precious pearl lei
Glowing enticingly in the depth of the night?
Turn to me and share a kiss
Don’t rush, though, or all will be lost
Groping about until the perfect spot is found
The prow surges back and forth across the tossing sea
The surface is caressed to develop a salty sheen
And we groan and sigh until completely breathless
Let the story be known through the telling
But be quiet lest the birds be awakened