NZ Folk Song * Tama Ngākau Mārie

This is a traditional Maori hymn, often sung at funerals and hui.

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.

Tama ngākau mārie
Tama a te Atua
Tēnei tonu mātou
Arohaina mai

Murua rā ngā hara
Wetekina mai
Ēnei here kino
Wakararu nei.

Takahia ki raro
Tau e kino ai
Kei pā kaha tonu
Ko nga mahi hē.

Hōmai he aroha
Mōu i mate nei
Tēnei ra e Ihu
Tākina e koe

Tēnei arahina
A tutuki noa
Puta i te pōuri
Whiwhi hari nui.

Son of peace
Son of God
here we are always.
Show us compassion.

Wipe away our sins,
and unshackle
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.

This is where we wish to be led
to a good end,
overcoming darkness
and attaining 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, tidied up Oct 2012