Following all the interest in long place names, here’s Peter Cape’s song about the place where Tamatea sat and played his nose-flute to his beloved, just outside Waipukurau.
It first appeared on a 45rpm EP issued by Kiwi Records in the very early 60s. Interestingly the song features the 58-letter version, not the 85 letter version on the sign. It was probably a duration issue …
Maori joker on a hilltop, playing a flute,
Cooler than Goodman – boy he was beaut!
And the thought that he thought in between each toot was:
Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauatamateapokaiwhenuakitanatahu!
Soon the Maori shielas began to gather around,
Hitch up the piu-piu and sit on the ground
“Man”, they say,” You send me – what’s that new new sound?” and he says:
Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauatamateapokaiwhenuakitanatahu!
Soon these Maori jokers meet another race:
Along comes the Pakeha with his whitewashed face.
“Hey”, they say to the Maori, “What do you call this place?” and he says:
Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauatamateapokaiwhenuakitanatahu!
Now I farm a Station up in South Hawke’s Bay.
You’re tired out with mustering every day,
But never get as tired as I do when I say:
Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauatamateapokaiwhenuakitanatahu!
What was that, mate?
Oh, Crikey!
Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauatamateapokaiwhenuakitanatahu!
I learned this song when I was in grade 4 (in Canada) and we had a music teacher who came from New Zealand. I only remembered the first verse but never forgot the Taumata…….part. Very cool to find it here and g a refresher. Thanks.
My parents had a Peter Cape 45rpm EP. I was almost word perfect on this song (and others) before I went to school. Tragic…