Elvis Presley - Hawaiian Wedding Song (C. King, A. Hoffman, D. Manning) ~ Erwin Lazaro 124

Even though Andy Williams released his popular version of“Hawaiian Wedding Song” in 1959 and it climbed to #11 on the U.S. Billboard 100 chart, I chose the version sung by Elvis Presley for the 1961 film Blue Hawaii. Like I’ve written before, anything I cover regarding the King of Rock-n-Roll will always be dedicated to my Pops! And, this particular occasion is even more significant because I’m dedicating this cover to my parents, Luis and Josefina. May 20, 2012, marks their 45th Wedding Anniversary.

Our entire family dearly misses my Beloved Mom and we continue to, and will always celebrate our love for her. My Pops, and our entire family, has endured so much pain with her absence from our daily lives and we endure through the pain because we must, for the sake of our loved ones, and for our own sakes. Even so, as far as we’ve moved forward, the memories of the Love So Bright always seem so pale in comparison to the contagious laughter and love and affection that my Mom naturally exuded with her physical presence. Relying on memories, prayers, and silent conversations within our souls, does not quench the loss we still feel after almost thirteen years without her physical presence. My dad misses her. My sister misses her. Her loved ones miss her. I miss her.

My attachments may be worldly and as much as I personally pray for strength in everything I pursue, the reality is that I still have much to learn. I’m certain that this will always be the case. To think of anything differently would only undermine my quality of life. In fact, this human frailty is what personally drives me to seek the wisdom and strength that is waiting for me to learn. It will be a lifelong endeavor, as it should be.

Mother’s Day 2012 just passed and my sister said it best when she posted her intentions on Facebook … “Happy Mother's Day to my best friend, my hero, and to the best mom that ever was! You have been an Angel in Heaven for almost 13 years now and it seems just like yesterday you were here with me laughing. I miss so much every day, but know that you are forever with me in my heart! I love you lots my mommy, for always. In love, you live...”

We love you Mommy … and Pops, we’re so P R O U D of you for everything you ARE! Our entire family loves the both of you with all of our hearts multiplied by infinity!

From Wikipedia:
"Hawaiian Wedding Song" is a 1926 love song written by Charles King for his operetta, Prince of Hawaii. It was originally entitled "Ke Kali Nei Au" - Hawaiian for "Waiting Here for You". In 1958, Al Hoffman and Dick Manning translated the original Hawaiian words into English, christening the song as the "Hawaiian Wedding Song". The biggest hit version of the song in the United States was recorded by Andy Williams and released as a single in 1959, and went to #11 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. On the UK Singles Chart, the biggest hit version was Julie Rogers's 1965 single, which went to #31. Another version of the song was sung by Elvis Presley in the 1961 film, Blue Hawaii. In 1964, the song was covered by Hong Kong female singer Kong Ling, on her LP album This World We Live In with Diamond Records (now under UMG).