Lava Lyrics – Kuana Torres Kahele featuring Napua Greig

Facts About the Song

• Genres: Island music, folk, soundtrack.
• Featured in the Disney/Pixar feature short *Lava* (2015), which was aired prior to *Inside Out*. Producer: James Ford Murphy.
• Release date is November 3, 2015.Writer: James Ford Murphy

Artist Information

Kuana Torres Kahele is a well-known Hawaiian musician who made significant contributions to Hawaiian folk music. He is well known for his beautiful voice and traditional Hawaiian melodies. Kahele is a solo artist as well as a member of the award-winning group Nā Palapalai, known for their Hawaiian music.

Song annotations

"Lava" was composed for the Disney/Pixar short film of the same name, which was shown before to the 2015 picture *Inside Out*. James Ford Murphy wrote and produced the song, which was inspired by the geological development of the Hawaiian islands as well as Israel Kamakawiwo'ole's famous cover of "Over the Rainbow". The song portrays the story of Uku, a lonely volcano, and his desire for love, as embodied by another volcano, Lele.

Annotations and Meaning

. The song opens with the narrator narrating a lone volcano named Uku, who watches the world from his perch in the sea. Uku's loneliness is represented through his incessant singing in an attempt to find a partner. His song of hope is a sincere request to the land, sea, and sky to bring him someone to love. As the years pass, Uku's constant singing transforms his lava into stone, signifying his deepening sadness. Unbeknownst to him, another volcano beneath the sea, Lele, hears his song and her lava expands in reaction to his moving melody. Lele feels Uku's song is intended for her, and she eventually emerges from the sea, eager to see him. When Lele emerges, she is unable to locate Uku since he has exhausted his lava and is unable to sing. In a moment of grief, he weeps, believing his dream is gone. However, Lele remembers his tune and starts singing it herself. This act of love revives Uku, and they eventually meet above the water, their love allowing them to no longer be alone. The song finishes with Uku and Lele singing together, expressing their happiness and thankfulness for discovering one other. Their shared lava represents their link, and they promise to grow old together, eternally grateful to the soil, sea, and sky.

The Song's Meaning

"Lava" is a heartfelt ballad that employs the metaphor of volcanic activity to portray themes of love and connection. The song plays with the word "lava," combining it with "love," to tell a poignant story of longing and fulfillment. The story of Uku and Lele exemplifies the belief that love can withstand time and hardship, and that patience and hope can yield wonderful results. The inclusion of natural elements such as the earth, sea, and sky emphasizes the universality of love, implying that it is a fundamental force that unites all living things. The song's calm melody and descriptive lyrics elicit an emotional response, making it a memorable and cherished work for all ages. Overall, "Lava" celebrates love's enduring strength and the delight of discovering a partner. It embodies the essence of Hawaiian music with its calming ukulele accompaniment and creative narration, leaving listeners with a positive message.