[Verse 1] Down the winding road to the sea, Where the cliffs meet the sky so peacefully. The breeze still sings through ironwood trees, But there’s sorrow whispered in the leaves. [Verse 2] April morning, calm and gray, The children laughed and went to play. No one knew the sea would rise— No siren call, no warning cry. [Chorus] And the tide came in without a sound, Tore the schoolhouse from the ground. Names now carved in stone remain, Where once they danced in sun and rain. Laupāhoehoe, we remember your name. [Verse 3] They say the fish lay on the shore, The children gathered near the door. The teachers stood, unsure, amazed— Then the final wave took all away. [Chorus] And the tide came in without a sound, Tore the schoolhouse from the ground. Names now carved in stone remain, Where once they danced in sun and rain. Laupāhoehoe, we remember your name. [Bridge] (softly) Ka moana ʻeleʻele, moe mālie nei, Na ke kai e hoʻihoʻi mai nā leo, nā wai, ʻAʻole i hoʻi nā keiki aloha ē... (“The black ocean lies still / the sea returns voices and waters / but not the beloved children.”) [Verse 4] A chimney stands to mark the shore, Where little feet will run no more. And flowers laid with quiet grace, Remember every smiling face. [Final Chorus] Yes, the tide came in without a sound, Left no trace upon the ground. But the hearts of those who still remain, Will always sing that gentle name— Laupāhoehoe... in the falling rain.
