White Sandy Beach
Smile for a Saturday
A few weeks back, we had our minds on the snow, and the poetry of the season. Well today, as many of you are undoubtedly still dealing with the frigid realities of winter, we thought we would jump into a very different state of mind. Close your eyes and picture the white sandy beaches of a tropical island.
To take us there, we found a perfect soundtrack, the beautiful artistry of the late Hawaiian singer/songwriter Israel Kamakawiwoʻole. “Brudda IZ,” as he was known to the locals, is most famous for his stirring rendition of Somewhere Over the Rainbow (over 1 billion YouTube views!!!). But he had many hits, and today we share with you another favorite, “White Sandy Beach of Hawai'i.”
IZ died in 1997 at the age of 38. He and his family struggled with chronic obesity, and he knew his time on Earth would likely be short. But he was determined to pack whatever he was given with the joy of music.
In the video shared here he talked about his view of death, with a smile and a laugh. We have transcribed his comments below. It is a poignant introduction to the song that follows.
I was scared when I lost my mother, my father, my brother, my sister. I loved them, all my heart and soul. It was time for them for go, it was time for go. When our time come, cuz, don’t cry for me, cuz. Don’t cry for me. Go plant a tree in Kapiolani Park, in the middle of the park where they play soccer. Plant a koa tree [endemic tree to Hawaii] for me cuz. A big brother. And, well, plant them small, let them grow big.
You may have noticed that many of our Smiles for a Saturday can also draw some misty eyes. Tears and smiles often are intertwined when we are moved. We think this performance is no exception.
“Plant them small, let them grow big.” Isn’t that the very definition of hope, and love? We hope you enjoy.
"A Smile for a Saturday" indeed, but a smile that might come through tears. What a beautiful soul that shines from this man, mirrored with his beautiful voice. As you said, he was one of those souls who somehow sense they have a rather limited time on this earth so they pack in as much living as they can for as long as they can. There are so many examples of this that come to my mind--a Mozart, a Schubert, a Van Gogh, and on and on and on...people taken from us far too soon. But then it always calls to mind the poignant verse by Edna St. Vincent Millay:
"My candle burns at both ends
It will not last the night;
But ah, my foes, and oh, my friends -
It gives a lovely light."
Thanks, Dan and Elliot, for a reminder of some of the beauty in this world.
...and I hope everyone watches the video to the very end...Iz shows his sense of humour!
One of my very fave columns YET! And love the Bruh IZ tune. First heard him with his cover of “Over the Rainbow” - my Mom’s favorite song. (IMO-even better than Judy Garland’s version) Dan, your columns get me thinking. And on Saturdays, they get me smiling-Thanks!