Why is it that nearly all the songs about flower lei are so poignant, beautiful and haunting? Perhaps because those things also apply to the giving of a lei--especially in parting. In Hawaii, lei are given for many occasions, including on May 1, Lei Day. But for the visitor, a lei often means parting and in the more transitory life of the Islands during the middle of the century, a lei meant bittersweet sadness to many.

Below are the lei songs I feel are the most beautiful. Interesting that three are by R. Alex Anderson. Maybe I just like his work (I do).

THE MOST BEAUTIFUL LEI SONGS

I'LL WEAVE A LEI OF STARS FOR YOU (1948) R. Alex Anderson
BLUE LEI (1940) Lyrics: R. Alex Anderson Music: Milton Beamer
PIKAKE
A MAILE LEI FOR YOUR HAIR (1963) Norman Kane
FOR YOU A LEI (1929) Johnny Noble
LEIS FOR SALE (1934) Johnny Noble
MY YELLOW GINGER LEI John Keawehawaii
WHITE GINGER BLOSSOMS (1939) R. Alex Anderson

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