This is a traditional Maori hymn, often sung at funerals. It was sung by the men of the 28th (Maori) Battalion when they buried their dead on the battlefields of North Africa and Italy.  A member of the Maori Battalion is laid to rest at Cassino. |
Play this as a Midi tune.
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Tama ngäkau märie
Tama a te Atua Tënei tonu mätou Arohaina mai Murua rä ngä hara Wetekina mai Ënei here kino Wakararu nei. Takahia ki raro Tau e kino ai Kei pä kaha tonu Ko nga mahi hë. Hömai he aroha Möu i mate nei Tënei ra e Ihu Täkina e koe Tënei arahina A tutuki noa Puta i te pöuri Whiwhi hari nui. |
Son of peace
Son of God here we are always. Show us compassion. Wipe away our sins, unshackle them These evil ties that are so troublesome. Trample down things evil to you lest they gather strength, all evil deeds. Grant (that we may have) love for You who died (May) this be so Jesus, (that) you lead us. (May) this (then be); lead us to the end, (so that we may) overcome darkness and attain paradise. |
I had some problems with the tune for "A-tu-a" in the 4th bar. Different song books had different notes. There may be regional differences.Our thanks again to to Toby Rikihana of Christchurch for his scholarly translation.
Other Maori Songs - Main Song List - Home
Published on the web 21 Feb 2003