Kiss Me Love
Composed by John K. Almeida | Arranged by Aaron Mahi
“Kiss Me Love” is a tender and timeless Hawaiian love song that captures the deep emotional resonance of romantic devotion through poetic imagery and melodic grace. Written by one of Hawai‘i’s most beloved composers, John K. Almeida, and thoughtfully arranged by Aaron Mahi, the piece draws on the rich traditions of Hawaiian lyricism, where nature and affection are woven seamlessly together.
At its heart, this song is a heartfelt plea and celebration of love, expressed through the metaphor of the lei—a cherished Hawaiian symbol of beauty, offering, and emotional closeness. The beloved is likened to a fragrant gardenia lei, a flower known for its sweet aroma and delicate elegance. This imagery transforms the act of love into something sacred and enduring.
Lyrically, “Kiss Me Love” speaks of desire that is not passing, but deeply rooted and eternal. Words like ‘i‘ini (desire) and ano‘i (longing) describe love not just as emotion, but as an elemental force—fervent, committed, and all-encompassing. The refrain, following Hawaiian musical tradition, brings the theme full circle: the beloved is, and always has been, the cherished lei.
With its gentle phrasing, evocative language, and emotional clarity, “Kiss Me Love” stands as a poignant example of mele aloha—a song of love. It reminds us that in Hawaiian culture, love is more than a feeling; it is an offering, a promise, and a way of being.
Composed by John K. Almeida | Arranged by Aaron Mahi
“Kiss Me Love” is a tender and timeless Hawaiian love song that captures the deep emotional resonance of romantic devotion through poetic imagery and melodic grace. Written by one of Hawai‘i’s most beloved composers, John K. Almeida, and thoughtfully arranged by Aaron Mahi, the piece draws on the rich traditions of Hawaiian lyricism, where nature and affection are woven seamlessly together.
At its heart, this song is a heartfelt plea and celebration of love, expressed through the metaphor of the lei—a cherished Hawaiian symbol of beauty, offering, and emotional closeness. The beloved is likened to a fragrant gardenia lei, a flower known for its sweet aroma and delicate elegance. This imagery transforms the act of love into something sacred and enduring.
Lyrically, “Kiss Me Love” speaks of desire that is not passing, but deeply rooted and eternal. Words like ‘i‘ini (desire) and ano‘i (longing) describe love not just as emotion, but as an elemental force—fervent, committed, and all-encompassing. The refrain, following Hawaiian musical tradition, brings the theme full circle: the beloved is, and always has been, the cherished lei.
With its gentle phrasing, evocative language, and emotional clarity, “Kiss Me Love” stands as a poignant example of mele aloha—a song of love. It reminds us that in Hawaiian culture, love is more than a feeling; it is an offering, a promise, and a way of being.
Composed by John K. Almeida | Arranged by Aaron Mahi
“Kiss Me Love” is a tender and timeless Hawaiian love song that captures the deep emotional resonance of romantic devotion through poetic imagery and melodic grace. Written by one of Hawai‘i’s most beloved composers, John K. Almeida, and thoughtfully arranged by Aaron Mahi, the piece draws on the rich traditions of Hawaiian lyricism, where nature and affection are woven seamlessly together.
At its heart, this song is a heartfelt plea and celebration of love, expressed through the metaphor of the lei—a cherished Hawaiian symbol of beauty, offering, and emotional closeness. The beloved is likened to a fragrant gardenia lei, a flower known for its sweet aroma and delicate elegance. This imagery transforms the act of love into something sacred and enduring.
Lyrically, “Kiss Me Love” speaks of desire that is not passing, but deeply rooted and eternal. Words like ‘i‘ini (desire) and ano‘i (longing) describe love not just as emotion, but as an elemental force—fervent, committed, and all-encompassing. The refrain, following Hawaiian musical tradition, brings the theme full circle: the beloved is, and always has been, the cherished lei.
With its gentle phrasing, evocative language, and emotional clarity, “Kiss Me Love” stands as a poignant example of mele aloha—a song of love. It reminds us that in Hawaiian culture, love is more than a feeling; it is an offering, a promise, and a way of being.