I wrote this song with my father. The song is about me handling the fact that this person I like doesn’t feel the same way. I found that songwriting has become a strong way for me to engage in intergenerational transmission. Using pop and other contemporary musical elements helps me further connect to my language and for younger generations to relate to.  The band I’m in is called Tradewinds and we perform on Guåhan with our repertoire mainly consisting of jazz, originals, and CHamoru music. You can find our new album, Hinengge on Spotify, iTunes, Amazon, and CD baby.

Sodda’ (to have found) 

Hafa bai hu cho’gue anggen ti ya-mu yu taiguini?

What shall I do if you don’t like me like this?

Taya bida-mu annai maloffan hu gi mena-mu

You don’t do anything when I pass you

 kao sina un sangani you hayi un espipiha?

Can you tell me who it is you’re looking for?

Sa’ hågu nai neni esta hu sodda’!

Because I found you already!

Kumu sangani hao na hagu ha’ hu guiguifi

If I only told you that you’re the only one I’m dreaming of

Ya hafa bai hu sangan anggen guaha otru neni

But what can I say if you have someone else

kumu un chiku yu un biahi ha’

If you’d kiss just one time

Siempre un tungo na hunggan guahu

Surely you will know that yes, I’m the one

Eyugi neni un espipiha

I’m what you’re looking for darling

Neni hasso yu’ ya hu hasso hao

Baby think of me, because I think of you

Neni hongge yu sa’ hu hongge hao

Baby believe me, because I believe you

Neni atan yu’ sa’ hunggan na hu atan hao

Baby look at me, because yes I’ve looked at you

Hagu ha’ nene hu lili’e

You’re the only one I see