Pokarekare ana, nga wai o Waiapu
Whiti atu koe hine, marino ana e
hine e, hoki mai ra, ka mate ahau i te aroha e.
Tuhituhi taku reta, tuku atu taku riingi
Kia kite to iwi, [bad word] ana e.
hine e, hoki mai ra, ka mate ahau i te aroha e.
Whatiwhati taku pene, kua pau aku pepa
Ko taku aroha, mau tonu ana e.
hine e, hoki mai ra, ka mate ahau i te aroha e.
kore te aroha, e maroke i te ra
Makuku tonu i aku roimata e.
hine e, hoki mai ra, ka mate ahau i te aroha e.

Stormy are the waters
Of restless Waiapu
If you cross them, girl
They will be calmed

Oh [bad word] back to me
I could die
Of love for you

I write you my letter
I send you my ring
So your people can see
How troubled I am

Oh [bad word] back to me
I could die
Of love for you

Oh [bad word] back to me
I could die
Of love for you