Moments after New Zealand’s parliament announced the passing of legislation legalizing gay marriage, the gallery erupted into a hauntingly beautiful rendition of a traditional love song, “Pokarekare Ana,” in it’s indigenous Maori language.

This was met with resounding applause by many of the members of parliament who had just passed the (Definition of Marriage Amendment Bill) with a 77 to 44 majority. New Zealand is the 13th nation to nationally recognize same-sex marriage, and the first of the Asia-Pacific region. The legislation, taking effect in August, will allow same-sex couples to adopt children and have their marriage recognized in other countries as well.

Louisa Wall

While origins of “Pokarekare Ana” are disputed, current guardianship of the song and its lyrics belongs to the decedents New Zealand folk singer Paraire Tomoana, who polished and released the lyrics in 1921. It was likely composed during World War I as soldiers were returning from the war in Europe. The lyrics describe a person who is longing for their love to return. The song, traditionally viewed as being sung by a man about a woman, has since evolved to apply to all forms of relationships. In the Wellington parliament gallery it was used to serenade the bill’s sponsor, Louisa Wall, who happens to be lesbian.

The video of the spontaneous jubilant celebration of the bill’s passing found here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DW4DXOAXF8U) has since gone viral on Youtube, garnering over 800,000 views.

In a subsequent speech that has also drawn immense online interest New Zealand representative Maurice Williamson delivered a rousing speech in which he reaffirmed in spoken word the ideals of the Maori song that is captivating the world.

“All we are doing with this bill is allowing two people who love each other to have that love recognized by way of marriage…and I can’t see what’s wrong with that,” he said

The translated lyrics go as follows:

The waves are breaking, against the shores of Waiapu,

My heart is aching, for your return my love.

 

Oh my beloved girl, come back to me, I could die of love for you.

I have written you a letter, and enclosed with it my ring.

 

So your people could see it, how much I’m troubled for you.

Oh my beloved girl, come back to me, I could die of love for you.

 

My poor pen is broken, my paper is spent,

But my love for you endures, and remains forever more.

 

Oh my beloved girl, come back to me, I could die of love for you.

The sun’s hot sheen, won’t scorch my love,

Being kept evergreen, by the falling of my tears.

 

Oh girl, Come back to me, I could die of love for you.

–Cristiano Lima