Swedish Hula

Swedish Hula - Words and music by Nancy Gustafsson

Have you seen a Swedish girl do the Hula dance
With a smile on her lips and her hands on her hips

She has changed the Polka steps to Hawaiian sway
And she loves to ski in Keʻehi Bay

When she goes on a hike or rides her bike
In rain or sun she has her fun

She plays her 'uke Hawaiian style
With a glint in her eyes and aloha smile

Now you've seen a Swedish girl do the Hula dance
While she told a little story with her hands

Tra la la la la la, Tra la la la la la

Born and raised in Sweden with weather cold and grey
She learned about Hawaiʻi where the sun shines ev'ry day

Where people live in grass shacks wearing flow'r leis
And Kahanamoku swam in the bays

So she went on a trip by Matson ship
To bask in the sun and have some fun

She fell in love with Island air
And the hoʻomalimali and "Aloha dere!"

Now she's changed the Polka steps to the Hula dance
While she told a little story with her hands

Tra la la la la la, Tra la la la la la

Haʻina ʻia mai ana ka puana la
Of the Swedish girl and the Hula dance

Source: Kokua Records, PO Box 8100, Honolulu HI. 96830 - Born in Sweden, the composer came to Hawaiʻi in 1952, and was employed at the Kamehameha School for girls as a Food Supervisor. The seniors asked her to perform a Swedish dance. This song was her answer. © 1964, Nancy Gustafsson