

Maori Lullaby
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Maori Lullaby Lyrics. An original lullaby inspired by the carved marae and kapa haka performing-arts tradition at the heart of Maori community life. Every carving on a marae tells part of a family’s whakapapa, its line of ancestors stretching back generations — a living reminder, much like a lullaby passed from parent to child, that a story only grows richer the longer it’s carried forward. Here you will find the lyrics, meaning, and chords.
Lyrics & chords
An original arrangement, with guitar & piano chords above each line.
Verse
What the words mean
Chords — guitar & piano
What “Maori Lullaby” Means
“Whaea” means mother (or a respected auntie) in Maori. The marae, a carved communal meeting ground, is the heart of Maori community life, where kapa haka performances of chant, poi dance, and haka are passed down through generations. This original lullaby draws on those marae and performing-arts images of Maori life, with “whaea” used as a warm address rather than a literal translation.
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