Lyrics
I came like Kupe (like Kupe)
Identifying with Kupe, symbolizing a journey or exploration.
Journey on a Waka hourua that came right through here (right through here)
Referring to a double-hulled canoe (Waka hourua) journeying through this location.
from Rangiatea, Taputapuatea runs through here (runs through here)
Mentioning Rangiatea and Taputapuatea, significant Polynesian locations with a connection to the journey.
Hawaiki nui, Hawaiki-roa, Hawaiki Pamamao
Listing various names for Hawaiki, the ancestral homeland.
Indigenous Pao Pao Pao (Pao Pao Pao)
Emphasizing indigenous identity with "Pao Pao Pao."
Kupe, I heard that he came to chase that wheke (chase that wheke)
Referencing Kupe's pursuit of the "wheke" (octopus), possibly symbolizing challenges or obstacles.
and the name that came from his wahine (his wahine)
Linking a name to Kupe's partner (wahine) and suggesting an alternate reality if not for her.
Probably wouldn't be our home at all (home at all)
Speculating that their current home might not exist without Kupe's actions.
Our home wouldn't be called Aotearoa (called Aotearoa)
Stating that Aotearoa might not be the home's name if not for Kupe.
The first Polynesian navigators Innovators
Highlighting the innovative nature of the first Polynesian navigators.
Purakau passed down through the ages
Referring to "Purakau," Maori mythology or legends passed down through generations.
They say around 900 AD, doesn't really matter if your ain't Māori
Suggesting that the historical timeframe (around 900 AD) is less important for non-Māori individuals.
Kupe the man be the true OG (Be the real OG, be the triple OG)
Celebrating Kupe as an original gangster (OG) figure.
I know every tribe has korero, about Kupe
Acknowledging diverse tribal stories about Kupe.
but who really knows kaore au te mohio (who really knows, who really knows)
Expressing uncertainty about the accuracy of the knowledge surrounding Kupe.
All I know one-things consistent the ariki came from the distance
Asserting that the consistent element is that the ariki (leader) came from a distant place.
He was the first don't get it twisted, yeah...
Emphasizing Kupe's status as the first, dispelling any misconceptions.
I came like Kupe (like Kupe)
Reiterating the identification with Kupe and the symbolic journey.
Journey on a Waka hourua that came right through here (right through here)
Echoing the theme of the double-hulled canoe's journey through the location.
from Rangiatea, Taputapuatea runs through here (runs through here)
Repeating the connection to Rangiatea and Taputapuatea in the journey.
Hawaiki nui, Hawaiki-roa, Hawaiki Pamamao
Recalling various names for the ancestral homeland, reinforcing the cultural roots.
Indigenous Pao Pao Pao (Pao Pao Pao)
Reaffirming indigenous identity with the repeated phrase "Pao Pao Pao."
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