I Mua

Nahko Bear and Medicine for the People's song 'I Mua' is a profound exploration of spiritual growth, self-discovery, and the quest for inner peace. The lyrics are rich with metaphors and cultural references, particularly to Hawaiian spirituality and natural elements. The repeated line 'I will go to the volcano, melt my heart in mauna kea snow' symbolizes a transformative journey, where the volcano represents a place of intense energy and change, and the snow signifies purity and clarity. This juxtaposition of fire and ice suggests a process of melting away old, hardened emotions to reveal a softer, more enlightened self.

The song also delves into the balance between struggle and surrender. Lines like 'The more I struggle, the more I'm stuck' and 'The less I speak, the more I know' highlight the paradoxes of life and the importance of finding harmony between effort and acceptance. Nahko's lyrics emphasize the value of spiritual guidance and the wisdom gained from nature, as seen in 'I'll water my horses like you taught me to, Spirit guides, yeah, the spirit moves.' This connection to nature and ancestral teachings underscores a deep respect for the earth and the lessons it imparts.

'I Mua' also touches on themes of family, legacy, and the cyclical nature of life. References to 'initiating' sons and daughters of God and the imagery of 'when the mother met the father, kissed the horizon, and gave birth to stars' evoke a sense of cosmic unity and the eternal dance of creation and destruction. The song concludes with a celebration of life, despite its challenges, with the repeated affirmation 'What a beautiful life.' This refrain serves as a reminder to appreciate the journey, embrace the present moment, and find beauty in the interconnectedness of all things.