This song, “Maila’ Ta Baila” by Pacific Cool holds a special place in my heart. When I was just a few months into learning Chamorro, Jay sent me a playlist of Chamorro songs and this was the first on the list. I listened to it four times in a row because I couldn’t stop smiling, being caught by the song’s uplifting energy and romantic lyrics. A couple of years later, one of the former band members – Henry Hofschneider – and a group of Chamorro musicians were kind enough to play this at my party to celebrate finishing grad school. It meant so much to me because of how much I love this song. This song is great for beginners getting started in the language because the lyrics are a blend of English and Chamorro. The Chamorro lyrics and their English translation are included in this post. I hope this song makes you smile 🙂
| Chamoru | English |
| Nå’i yu’ ni kannai-mu yan tattiyi yu’ | Give me your hand and follow me |
| Bai fanu’i hao ni todu nina’siñå-hu | I will show you all I can do |
| Bonitu na dåndan ta bailalayi | We will dance to beautiful music |
| Gi fi’on-mu ha’ neni na bai gagaige’ | By your side baby is the only place I’ll be |
| Maila’ ta baila | Come let’s dance |
| Ta baila neni | We will dance, baby |
| Siñienten karinosu | A loving feeling |
| Milak gi aire | Flows through the air |
Lengguahi-ta 