Spanish tenor José Carreras sings “Hine E Hine”, a Māori lullaby written by Princess Te Rangi Pai (Fanny Rose Howie nee Porter) (1868-1916), the New Zealand singer and composer in 1907. The song is in Māori language (an Eastern Polynesian language spoken by the Māori people, the indigenous population of New Zealand. Since 1987, it has been one of New Zealand’s official languages). José Carreras and the Vienna Symphony Orchestra perform at the Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna.
The lyrics of “Hine e Hine” tell the story of a mother singing a lullaby to her child, expressing her love and wishing for the child to sleep peacefully. The song is often sung by parents to their children, or by adults to calm and soothe babies.
The melody of “Hine e Hine” is simple and gentle, and is often performed with guitar or piano accompaniment. The song has been recorded by many artists, both in Māori and in English translations. It is considered one of the most popular and beloved lullabies in New Zealand.
In addition to its use as a lullaby, “Hine e Hine” has also been performed as a choral piece and as part of Māori cultural events and ceremonies. The song has become a symbol of Māori culture and a beloved part of New Zealand’s musical heritage.
Hine E Hine Lyrics
1. Verse:
E ta-ngi ana koe,
Hine e hine
Kua nge-nge ana koe,
Hine e hine.
Kati to pou-ri ra,
Noho i te a –roha
Te nga-kau o te ma-tua
Hine e hine
Hine e hine.
2. Verse:
E ta-ngi ana koe,
Hine e hine
Kua nge-nge ana koe,
Hine e hine.
Kati to pou-ri ra,
Noho i te a –roha
Te nga-kau o te ma-tua
Hine e hine
Hine e hine.
3. Verse:
E ta-ngi ana koe,
Hine e hine
Kua nge-nge ana koe,
Hine e hine.
Kati to pou-ri ra (Chor: Kati to pou-ri ra),
Noho i te a –roha (Chor: Noho i te a –roha),
Te nga-kau o te ma-tua
Hine e hine
Hine e hine.
English translation:
Plaintive all through the night –
Hine, E Hine!
Weeping till morning light –
Hine, E Hine!
From my care why try to leap
There is love for you
Mother’s arms their strength will keep
Hine, E Hine!
See where there comes the morn
Hine, E Hine!
Long rays of early dawn
Hine, E Hine!
Shining to Reinga far
Where thy noble grandsires are
Nestle Aroha!
Hine, E Hine!
Sources
- Hine E Hine on Wikipedia
- Fanny Rose Howie on Wikipedia
- Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 3 [Yuja Wang] - October 3, 2023
- Pavarotti sings Di Quella Pira at the Madison Square Garden, New York [1987] - October 1, 2023
- Mozart: Symphony No. 35 “Haffner” [Bernard Haitink, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra] - September 30, 2023
