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Green Rose Hula

The green rose is called the "leaf rose". Laida Paia, Mrs. James Keoni Willis, a member of John Almeida's trio composed this mele (song) although it has always been attributed to John Kameaaloha Almeida. She was the mother of Koko Willis and John Kameaaloha Almeida acknowledged and always gave her due credit when he performed it, especially when Koko or other members of her family were in the audience. Confirmed by Pali Lee, wife of Koko Willis who died in 1994. Translated by Mary Pukui, Music clip by Lani Lee
Blind from the age of 10, John Kameaaloha Almeida was a composer (over 300 songs), vocalist, instrumentalist, teacher, bandleader, recording artist, and recording executive. 
He was truly one of the outstanding figures in Hawaiian music history and was known as the "Dean of Hawaiian Music". 

Songs that he composed include Green Rose Hula, Roselani Blossoms, and perhaps his most famous, Pua Tuberose. 

He had the reputation as a Casanova, and legend has it that "Pua Tuberose" was inspired by a flower in the hair of a pretty lady. He used flowers in his songs that were representative of the women he loved.
He was an accomplished ukulele player and performed with such great artists as Genoa Keawe, Julia Nui, Joe Keawe and Alvin Isaacs. In fact, many outstanding musicians of today give credit to Almeida for launching their careers, including Genoa Keawe, Bill Lincoln, Billy Hew Len and David Kelii. 

Almeida also served as chief musician for the Matson Navigation Company from 1924-1927. At the end of World War II, George K. Ching started "49th State Hawaii Records" (at the time, many business people thought Hawaii was to be the 49th state, but Alaska beat them to it) and hired Almeida as the label's musical director. The musical catalogue of 49th State Records includes some of the greatest Hawaiian music ever recorded.

For mor information on great Hawaiian ukulele players visit this link


Green Rose Hula Lyrics
No ka pua loke lau ke aloha...No ka u`i kau i ka wêkiu
Kô `ala onaona i `ane`i...Ho`olale mai ana e walea

E walea pû aku me `oe...I ka hana no`eau ho`oipo
A he ipo `oe na`u i aloha...Ka `ano`i a ku`u pu`uwai

Ho`i mai kâua lâ e pili...`Oiai ka manawa kûpono
Ho`i mai kâua lâ e pili...`Oiai ka manawa kûpono
Ha`ina `ia mai ka puana...Nou nô green rose ke aloha

Translation
My love goes to the green rose...The blossom I esteem the highest
Its fragrance reaches me here...Inviting my thoughts to be carefree

To spend the time pleasantly with you...In the delightful pastime of wooing
You are the sweetheart I love...The darling of my heart

May recollection, remembrance...And desire always be with you
Now, now is the time...For us to be together

This is the end of my song...For you, beloved green roseIts fragrance reaches me here...Inviting my thoughts to be carefree









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