When President John F. Kennedy visited Hawai‘i during the civil rights crisis, he said to the effect that Hawai‘i is an example to the world where different races and creeds can live together in harmony. That inspired me to compose this song.
The Whole World Looks to Hawai‘i
The whole world looks to Hawai‘i
Its people, its love and aloha,
They look each day to the way we pray with men of every creed.
The whole world comes to Hawai‘i to search for a life that is free,
We work, we play, we sing and pray, together in harmony.
I traveled away from this paradise and saw much grief and sorrow,
I’m back today and to God I pray,
I hope the whole world will follow.
We’re proud to be of this nation,
We share our love with the world,
Together we stride in this world side by side
For the whole world looks to Hawai‘i.
The whole world looks to Hawai‘i.
•••
Larry Rivera has been a musician on Kaua‘i for more than six decades, and shares the stories behind his songs in “Lyrics of Aloha,” appearing once a month in the Sunday edition of The Garden Island. Win prizes and earn an entry in the Vacations Hawai‘i Vegas vacation for two drawing by listening to KONG FM 93 radio the following Monday and Tuesday between 6 and 8 a.m. and taking part in a contest based on the column.
