About The Song
Close your eyes, dear reader, and imagine a scene straight out of a technicolor dream. The sun dips low, casting a warm glow on the turquoise Pacific, painting the sky with streaks of fiery orange and blushing pink. Palm trees whisper secrets in the gentle breeze, and the scent of plumeria blossoms fills the air with an intoxicating sweetness. In this idyllic setting, a lone ukulele strums a melody, soft yet insistent, beckoning you closer. This, my friends, is the prelude to Elvis Presley’s timeless serenade, “Hawaiian Wedding Song,” a love ballad as fragrant and vibrant as the islands themselves.
Elvis, the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, was no stranger to romance, and “Hawaiian Wedding Song” captures a tenderness rarely seen on stage. Recorded in 1961 for the film “Blue Hawaii,” the song became an instant classic, its gentle rhythm and heartfelt lyrics resonating with couples embarking on their own island adventures.
The inspiration? Not just the sun-kissed beauty of Hawaii, but a traditional Hawaiian song titled “Ke Kali Nei Aua,” which translates to “Waiting There for Thee.” Borrowing the melody and adapting the lyrics, songwriters Al Hoffman and Dick Manning crafted a love song that transcends language and time.
Elvis, with his velvet voice and infectious charm, pours his heart into every word. He sings of a love story unfolding beneath swaying coconut palms, whispers promises like gentle waves lapping against the shore, and paints a future as bright as the island sun. The lyrics, simple yet evocative, speak of devotion, commitment, and the unwavering promise to stand beside your loved one, “through sunshine or rain.”
The instrumentation, too, is a masterclass in creating an atmosphere of pure bliss. The ukulele’s gentle strumming evokes the soft whisper of trade winds, the steel guitar adds a touch of wistful romance, and the steady rhythm of the drums mimics the gentle heartbeat of love. It’s a melody that wraps you in its warm embrace, transporting you to a wedding on a secluded beach, where vows are exchanged under the watchful eyes of ancient gods and the boundless sky.
“Hawaiian Wedding Song” is more than just a song; it’s an experience. It’s a whispered promise, a shared dream, a love letter written in the language of paradise. It’s the soundtrack to countless wedding ceremonies, the melody that accompanies couples into a life of shared laughter and whispered dreams. So, whether you’re a seasoned soul remembering the golden age of Elvis or a young heart embarking on your own island adventure, let the King’s voice wash over you. Let “Hawaiian Wedding Song” carry you away to a place where love blooms as vibrant as the plumeria, and promises are etched forever in the sands of time.
Aloha, and may your love story be as sweet and enduring as this timeless island serenade.
Video
Lyrics
“Hawaiian Wedding Song”
(from “Blue Hawaii” soundtrack)
I’ve waited for
I can hear my heart singing
Soon bells will be ringing
This is the moment
Of sweet Aloha
I will love you longer than forever
Promise me that you will leave me never
Here and now dear,
All my love,
I vow dear
Promise me that you will leave me never
I will love you longer than forever
U-a, si-la
Pa-a ia me o-e
Ko a-lo-ha ma-ka-mea e i-po
Ka-‘u ia e le-i a-e ne-i la
Now that we are one
Clouds won’t hide the sun
Blue skies of Hawaii smile
On this, our wedding day
I do love you with all my heart