| English: God is Truth | |
|---|---|
| National anthem of Cook Islands | |
| Lyrics | Pa Tepaeru Terito Ariki, Lady Davis |
| Music | Sir Tom Davis |
| Adopted | 1982 |
| Audio sample | |
'Te Atua mou ē' ('God is Truth') is the national anthem of the Cook Islands. It was adopted in 1982, replacing the previous New Zealand anthem 'God Defend New Zealand'.
Heimana Music Distribution LTD is the home of Cook Islands music. We record, produce and distribute some of Cook Islands' most memorable songs.
The music is by Sir Tom Davis, then Prime Minister of the Cook Islands. The lyrics are by his wife, Pa Tepaeru Terito Ariki, Lady Davis.
Lyrics[edit]
Te Atua mou ē
Ko koe rāi te pū
O te pā 'enua ē
'Akarongo mai
I tō mātou nei reo
Tē kāpiki atu nei
Pāruru mai
I a mātou nei
'Omai te korona mou
Kia ngāteitei
Kia vai rāi te aro'a
O te pā 'enua ē.
To God Almighty
Ruler of the isles of the sea
Hearken our call
Protect us
Crown us with liberty
May peace and love reign supreme
throughout the land.[1]
God of truth,
you are the ruler
of our country.
Please listen
to our voices
as we call to you,
protect and guide us
and give us your crown of truth
so we can be successful
and so that love and peace will rule forever
over our beloved country.
References[edit]
- ^National anthem, Government of the Cook Islands
External links[edit]
- 'Te Atua mou ē' on YouTube (female voice and guitar)
- 'Te Atua mou ē' on YouTube (3-part a cappella, first 2½ lines missing)
The music of the Cook Islands is diverse. Christian music is extremely popular. Imene tuki is a form of unaccompanied vocal music known for a uniquely Polynesian drop in pitch at the end of the phrases, as well as staccato rhythmic outbursts of nonsensical syllables (tuki). The word 'imene' is derived from the English word 'hymn' (see Tahitian: 'himene' - Tahiti was first colonised by the English). Likewise the harmonies and tune characteristics / 'strophe patterns' of much of the music of Polynesia is western in style and derived originally from missionary influence via hymns and other church music. One unique quality of Polynesian music (it has become almost a cliché) is the use of the sustained 6th chord in vocal music, though typically the 6th chord is not used in religious music. Traditional songs and hymns are referred to as imene metua (lit. hymn of the parent/ancestor).
Traditional dance is the most prominent art form of the Cook Islands. Each island has its own unique dances that are taught to all children, and each island is home to several annual competitions. Traditional dances are generally accompanied by the drumming of the pate.[1]
Cook Islands Reviews
The Cook Islands drumming style is well-known internationally, but is often misidentified as an example of Tahitian music.[1] This is most uncommon as the Cook Islands have a strong connection to their Tahitian ancestry.
Harmony-singing church music and a wide variety of hymns and wedding and funeral music are found throughout the Cook Islands. There is much variation across the region, and each island has its own traditional songs.[2]
References[edit]
Cook Island Songs Download Free
- Linkels, Ad. 'The Real Music of Paradise'. 2000. In Broughton, Simon and Ellingham, Mark with McConnachie, James and Duane, Orla (Ed.), World Music, Vol. 2: Latin & North America, Caribbean, India, Asia and Pacific, pp 218–229. Rough Guides Ltd, Penguin Books. ISBN1-85828-636-0
- 'Art and Culture'. Cook Islands. 2006. Retrieved April 10, 2006.