Stay Home (2020)

Verse 1:

I look around I see life is a struggle for the people of this land

We working harder just to remain and the pressure comes from all directions

 

Pre-Chorus:

Property tax on a place we already own

Concrete coaster hanging over the road 

Killing the land at our feet that they’ve neglected and they telling us to hit the road 

 

Chorus:

I know, I know that it’s hard to stay home

And I know, I know it seems easier to go

Yes I know, I know that it’s hard to stay home

But I know, I know it won’t be the same if you go

 

Verse 2:

I look around and I see big corporate shopping malls,

forcing closure on our mom and pops

They’ve given the better deal to the foreigner,

taking selfies on our precious rocks

 

Pre-Chorus:

Property tax on a place we already own

Concrete coaster hanging over the road 

Killing the land at our feet that they’ve neglected and they telling us to hit the road

 

Chorus:

I know, I know that it’s hard to stay home

And I know, I know it seems easier to go

Yes I know, I know that it’s hard to stay home

But I know, I know it won’t be the same if you go

 

Verse 3:

Kanaka need ʻāina and ʻāina need hands

but money pull kanaka away from our homeland

Dirt stained skin and the wind in my hair

I paʻi ka lima cuz e mau ana ke ea

(freedom will live on)

I am a rooted native of my place

Kuleana moʻokūʻauhau (genealogical accountability) running through my veins

 

Bridge: (2x) 

E iho ana o luna

E piʻi ana o lalo

E hui ana nā moku

E kū ana ka paia 

 

What’s up will come down,

what’s down will rise up,

our people will join hands and we will rise again

 

Chorus:

I know, I know that it’s hard to stay home

And I know, I know it seems easier to go

Yes I know, I know that it’s hard to stay home

But I know, I know it won’t be the same if you go