Hula Gooney E - by Joseph Kalahikiola Flores

 
While strolling along the beach one day
I watched the gooneys do the Hula E
As they swished and swayed they seemed to say
We're doing the Hula Gooney E
ʻEā, ʻeā
We're doing the Hula Gooney E

As I fished all day in Waiwake bay
I thought about my dear Hawaiʻi Nei
A hula maid and her flower lei
Dancing the Hula Gooney E
ʻEā, ʻeā
Dancing the Hula Gooney E

As I strummed a tune in the sunshine bright
I dreamed about a cool Hawaiian night
Kuʻu ipo danced for me in the pale moonlight
She danced the Hula Gooney E
ʻEā, ʻeā
She danced the Hula Gooney E

Haʻina ʻia mai ka puana pau
The hula gooney birds will teach you how
To swish and sway and do the hula now
Let's dance the Hula Gooney E
ʻEā, ʻeā
Let's dance the Hula Gooney E
Joseph Kalahikiola Flores

Source: Gooney birds (Laysan Albatross) are the principal inhabitants of Midway Island. Among the largest birds, their wingspan can reach 7 feet. They arrive in November to begin their eight month breeding cycle, seem to dance in mating rituals, and mate for life. They live 40 to 50 years and when they are adults, they return to their hatching sites to nest. During World War II, some Hawaiian boys were stationed there. In the evenings they would gather and play Hawaiian music. This is one of the songs that came out of their sessions.