From the recording One Day
This mele talks to the extreme challenges poised trying to earn living and take care of oneʻs family in Hawai'i. The cost of living (housing in particular) skyrockets, and locals --- particularly native Hawaiians --- suffer. Hawai'i is indeed a paradise; however, itʻs "only a home" for those who arenʻt just visiting. Played in Drop C tuning.
Lyrics
Paradise ©
Dave “Kawika” Fiely
Paradise itʻs only a home
Poverty three jobsʻ grind
Come and go in the dark
Mansions they build tent cities grow
Through it all we smile and dance
Songs of love for touristsʻ gold
So damn tired of hungerʻs call
Another day in paradise
Another day in paradise
A Kingdom lost promises made
Renaissance rose we ate the stones
Prophets gone their voices fade
Maunakea pride kūpuna age
Through it all we smile and dance
Songs of love for touristsʻ gold
So damn tired of hungerʻs call
Another day in paradise
Another day in paradise
But I know ohanaʻs joy
Under the stars by the sea
Songs and laughter forgotten pain
Lift our eyes with Hawaiian pride
Through it all we smile and dance
Songs of love for touristsʻ gold
So damn tired of hungerʻs call
Another day in paradise
Through it all we smile and dance
Songs of love for touristsʻ gold
So damn tired of hungerʻs call
Another day in paradise
Another day in paradise
Another day in paradise