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 love to ski in Keehi 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 Hawai`i where the sun shines ev'ry day
 
Where people live in grass shacks wearing flow'r leis
And Kahanamoku swam in the bay
 
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 ho`omalimali 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
 
Ha`ina `ia mai ana ka puana la
Of the Swedish girl and the Hula dance
 

 

Source: Kokua Records, PO Box 8100, Honolulu HI. 96830, Copyright 1964, Nancy Gustafsson - Born in Sweden, the composer came to Hawai`i 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.