Fotu 'i he La'ā ^Featured

Fotu 'i he La'ā

1. Fotu 'ihela'a
Tapa 'ihe langima'a
Fine Tonga 'okuhaka
Pea toli he kakala
Luva ke ha vulangi
'Oka malu efiafi
Ake e manatu ai
'Alu kaefoki mai.

2. Si'i Fā kuo hopo
'O talua hoku loto
Hoku lei motelolo
Lata'anga 'oe nofo.
Angi 'a e tokelau
Pea momo e peau
'O fafana kia au
Kaveinga e folau.

3. Fakalau 'a e ata
Pea holo e mamata
Ki he huni mo e mapa
Loketi ē mātanga
Kuo 'eva 'imoana
'Eku 'ofa mafana
He 'umata fakalava
Asi he tau kakapa.

4.Si'ipua 'ene fisi
'O ngaofe he uini
Laukau 'o mahiki
Manu 'o Palataisi
Tu'u hifo mu'a hē
Malu 'o e paame
Va'inga 'i he siale
Sei 'o ha taka pē.   

Appearing from the Sun

1. Appearing from the sun
Flashing in the clear sky
A Tongan lady is dancing
And picking sweet-smelling flowers
To give to the visitor
In the shade of evening
Recalling those things [that]
When you go away, you plan to return.

3. The dear Fā [kind of pandanus, referring here to Prince Tungi] has opened
Bringing joy to my heart
Joining strings of motelolo flowers
Contented with dwelling here.
Wind blowing from the north
And breaking small waves
Whispering to me

4. The aim that directs my life.
Dawn is breaking
Watching contentedly
To the huni and mapa [scented plants]
Locket well worth looking at
Having travelled the sea
My warm feelings
Like a completed rainbow
Appears from a place beyond reach.

Chrous
Young pua [a flower] just blossoming
Swaying in the wind
Look smart preening
Bird of Paradise
Tarry a while right here
Sheltered by the palms
Play of the siale [a flower]
Hair ornament of the visitors.