Leilani

About Leilani

"Leilani" was the first single by iconic Australian rock group Hoodoo Gurus when they were called Le Hoodoo Gurus and was released on Phantom Records in October 1982. It had been written by all four Gurus: James Baker, Dave Faulkner, Roddy Radalj and Kimble Rendall. Rendall left shortly before its release and, not long after, the band dropped the 'Le' to become Hoodoo Gurus. Le Hoodoo Gurus were noted for having three guitars and no bass player, creating a distinctive, layered sound. This was captured on "Leilani", which told the story of a maiden sacrificed to the gods and an erupting volcano while her true love looked on helplessly. The song was later released on Hoodoo Gurus' first album Stoneage Romeos (1984). "Astute listeners will note the absence of bass guitar in the band... "Leilani" was based on an old 50s movie, Bird of Paradise starring Jeff Chandler..." - Dave Faulkner. Bird of Paradise (1951) is described at Internet Movie Database. Backing vocals are ascribed to Orphan Rock and to The Three Sisters. Both The Three Sisters and Orphan Rock are geological features of The Blue Mountains near Katoomba, New South Wales. more »

Year:

1984

5:35

116 Views

Playlists:

#1

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Somewhere on a South Pacific island
Sits a young man staring at the surf.
His native girlfriend died a death quite violent
A tribal sacrifice made to the earth.

She was brown, her hair was black, her eyes were blue.
A chief's daughter, Leilani was her name.
She and her young man made a handsome two
But lava tore them both apart again.

Leilani, don't go to the volcano (he'd say).

They were saving for a little hut,
She collected sea-shells every day.
Everynight they'd share a cigarette
But The ancient, angry gods got in the way.

Leilani, don't go to the volcano (he'd plead).

(CEREMONY:)
Katoomba, Hey! Macumbah, Ho!
Umgawah! Hey! Ho! Hey-eh! Ah...
Leilani - crula-bula-ulladulla-wok-a-tai
Aba-laba-laba, Hut!

Leilani-nevageta-huta-tera-cota-tile
Aba-laba-laba Hut!
Umgawah!!!

Still the young man sits upon the beach,
He's staring misty-eyed out into space.
He's thinking about his girlfriend (of late, deceased),
At least her death had purpose; now his life is a waste!
Leilani, don't go to the volcano (he'd beg her)

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Hoodoo Gurus

Hoodoo Gurus (referred to as the Gurus by fans) are an Australian rock band, formed in Sydney in 1981, by the mainstay Dave Faulkner (songwriter, lead singer and guitarist) and later joined by Richard Grossman (bass), Mark Kingsmill (drums), and Brad Shepherd (guitar, vocals, harmonica). Their popularity peaked in the mid to late 1980s with albums Mars Needs Guitars!, Blow Your Cool! and Magnum Cum Louder. more »

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