E Papa Waiari

E pāpā Waiari is a really old song, presumed to have originated up the Whanganui River.  Now it is one of the most popular waiata used to teach children tī rakau, the Māori stick game.

It is also popular with the Girl Scouts of the USA.


KUPU MĀORI

E pāpā Waiari
Taku nei mahi
Taku nei mahi
He tuku roimata.

E aue, ka mate au
E hine hoki mai rā.

Māku e kaute
Ō hikoitanga
Māku e kaute
Ō hikoitanga

E aue, ka mate au
E hine hoki mai rā.

TRANSLATION

O Uncle Waiari

All I've been doing

All I've been doing 

is shedding tears

Alas, I will die

Darling return to me.

I will count

your footsteps

I will count

your footsteps

Alas, I will die

Darling return to me.