Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: guitar
Song Meaning of “Lei Ko’ele (Live)” by Dennis Kamakahi
Lei Ko’ele (Lives) is a poignant Hawaiian ballad written and performed by Dennis Kamakahi. Set against a serene backdrop of gentle strumming and lush choral harmonies, the track paints a vivid picture of a beloved person who is now gone from this life, yet still lives on in our hearts and memories. Through poetic lyricism, the song looks to the idea of mastering grief and finding solace in the lives of our ancestors who are now eternal in the heavens.
The longing in the lyrics captures the feelings of loss and grief that come with saying goodbye to a close family member or friend, as well as the tenderness that still can be felt for them. We can hear the emotion in Kamakahi’s voice as he sings “But still alive in my memories, lei ko’ele – You once lived on these lands, now you live forever in the stars”. Through powerful imagery, he speaks of the departed being in a better place, and then turning the sentiment into something positive for himself. He is able to do this not by forgetting but taking control of his grief; choosing to remember fondly the loved one and looking around himself to the stars and nature to catch glimpses of his ancestor’s everlasting presence.
The song’s subtle but evocative message speaks to our need to honor our ancestors and unify ourselves in times of sorrow. The title of the song translates to “live like a lei (garland of flowers)”, and it serves as a reminder of the beauty and fragility of life. The lei represents how when sorrow comes, we can still find joy and solace when we reach out to our family and find strength in our shared memories.