Leilani
Hoodoo Gurus
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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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Written by: JAMES BAKER, DAVE FAULKNER, RODNEY RADALJ, KIMBLE RENDALL
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
12 facts about this song
Release Details"Leilani" is a song by Australian rock band Hoodoo Gurus. It was released on Big Time Records in July 1983 as their debut single.
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Album IntegrationThe song is also included on the band's debut album "Stoneage Romeos" which was released in 1984.
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LineupThe band at the time of "Leilani" recording consisted of Dave Faulkner (vocals, guitar), Rod Radalj (guitar, vocals), Clyde Bramley (bass, vocals), and James Baker (drums).
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The Song's Title"Leilani" is a Hawaiian name, which means 'heavenly flowers' or 'royal child'.
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Lyrics InspirationThe song was inspired by the 1933 film "White Zombie". The central character Madeleine Short Parker, played by Madge Bellamy, is turned into a zombie by a Haitian Vodou master. Her character name was "Leilani" in the song.
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Music VideoThe promotional video for the song, which was one of the first to be directed by Kimble Rendall, depicts the band members tied up and coping with various methods of torture, inspired by the band's love for B-grade horror films.
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RecognitionIn October 2010, "Leilani" was listed in the book, '100 Best Australian Songs' at No. 85.
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Impact on BandDespite its relative commercial success, "Leilani" was later disowned by the band. They refused to play it in concerts for a number of years.
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Cover VersionsOver the years, several other artists have covered "Leilani", including the Australian surf rock band The Atlantics.
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Composition"Leilani" breaks from traditional song structure, featuring an extended fadeout instrumental section, showcasing the Hoodoo Gurus' distinctive garage rock style.
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Status in Band's CatalogueDespite the band distancing themselves from the track, "Leilani" remains one of Hoodoo Gurus' most iconic songs and is especially beloved among longtime fans of the group.
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Song DurationThe song has a duration of 4 minutes and 29 seconds, making it one of the longer tracks on the "Stoneage Romeos" album.
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Citation
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"Leilani Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 8 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/1032166/Hoodoo+Gurus/Leilani>.
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