Islands Songsmith

Trader’s Tale: The Art Of The Cook

By "Tukapa Koko"

TO a European the monosyllable “E” —as in “bet” hasn’t much in it.

But this invocation, similar to the “O” in “True, O King” in its meaning, and also to the other “O” that most Scottish poets use to end their lines, is a mighty useful item in the Tin Pan Alley of the Cook Islands.

Without “E” the Cook Island song smith would certainly have to shut up shop. But no one who has not lived in Central Polynesia can know just what the monosyllable can represent in the way of tortuous monotony.

Rendered in English, some of the efforts are a little better though the range of subjects seems to be confined to women and our local substitute for wine bush beer. Still a brain-wave does sometimes go the round of the villagers. How is this for a sweet sample:— (Guitar; Blunk, Blunk.) I like-a you, You like-a me, I come-a you, You come-a me, We no care pleecee-mun, No let him see!

I like-a you, You like-a me!

It is perhaps not necessary to explain that the is Cupid’s worst enemy in the Cook Islands.

Then there was that adaption of the well-known “I Want to be Happy” sung at a school concert here many moons ago when I first came to the Island. The words were, I suppose, English, but it may as well have been Tibetan to me. At rehearsals one Tumu was leading soloist and this unfortunate youth had to sing the ballad while performing the then popular Charlston under the baton of a sort of ballet-master who did not spare the rod (the only time I have ever seen a native child disciplined). Under this genial mentor the unhappy singer was very sincere in the announcement of his requirements for the stick was laid on so willingly that the tears positively cas caded down his face.

I rather fancy that the song, “I’m Dancing with Tears in My Eyes” did not come out until later, but it would have been singularly approoriate on this oc casion.