From the recording Living On the Moon
Written in 1981, this song was recorded by Israel IZ Kamakawiwoole for his first solo album. I'm so pleased to release my own version at last.
Lyrics
Margarita
On a hilltop in Tahiti as I gaze across the bay
At the island of Moorea in the sunshine of the day
And lovely Margarita serves me cool Hinano beer
I’ll be a fool in paradise if I’m a fool out here
Ia Orana can you stand the heat
Ia Orana dancing in bare feet
Ia Orana when you laugh at me
Ia Orana oh I, I’m in ecstasy
Your name is Margarita and the salt upon your lips
Tells me lemon and tequila is the flavor of your kiss
All the beauty and the humor and the magic of this isle
Are captured like a goldfish in the sparkle of your smile
Ia Orana can you stand the heat
Ia Orana dancing in bare feet
Ia Orana when you laugh at me
Ia Orana oh I, I’m in ecstasy
The crimson dress you’re wearing as you’re walking to the beach
That flower there behind your ear the grass beneath your feet
The coconut plantation and the sea and sky of blue
And the South Pacific breezes they are all caressing you
Ia Orana can you stand the heat
Ia Orana dancing in bare feet
Ia Orana when you laugh at me
Ia Orana oh I, I’m in ecstasy
Margarita, Margarita, won’t you dance with me tonight
And we can sway together while the stars are shining bright
In the morning Margarita, let us plunge into the waves
And we can bathe together there in Matavaii Bay
Ia Orana can you stand the heat
Ia Orana dancing in bare feet
Ia Orana when you laugh at me
Ia Orana oh I, I’m in ecstasy
Oh the sunshine knows your body and it paints you golden brown
And the water flows around you where I only hope to drown
The gentle air that wafts around you tastes your sweet perfume
And I’m a fool if I return to my San Francisco room
Ia Orana can you stand the heat
Ia Orana dancing in bare feet
Ia Orana when you laugh at me
Ia Orana oh I, I’m in ecstasy