Moko

Moko was commissioned by the Ascham School specifically for the junior (Fiona) choirs in 2012. Moko was a male bottle-nose dolphin who interacted with humans on the east coast of the North Island of New Zealand between 2007 & 2010. He first resided at Mahia Beach for 2 & 1/2 years where he became a major attraction. Moko received worldwide fame when in 2008 he rescued two pygmy sperm whales who were stranded at Mahia Beach. Moko spent two days continually guiding the whales through the channels and tides to their safety in the wide ocean. It was considered one of the great acts of bravery in the history of the natural world.

Moko then moved North to Waikanae Beach, Gisborne & on to Whatakane. During this period he befriended a local woman Kirsty Carrington, who spent nearly every day with Moko, riding him out to sea and back to the shore and sleeping next to him in the cool waters. Unfortunately, on the 7th July 2010, Moko’s lifeless body was found washed up on Matakana Island. Ironically, his interaction and passion for humans had possibly led to his demise. Kirsty and the community farewelled and buried Moko there, facing the sacred mountain. His spirit will always live on.

Sample recording courtesy of the Hillcrest Christian College Choir, directed by Jenny Moon

Themes

Sing a global story Sing a message Sing for an eisteddfod Sing the adventure
Duration 4:00
Key Eb
Range Bb3 to F5
More info Using ocean drum can be interesting in this piece
Price AU$3.00 per copy

Lyrics

M O K O                        

By Paul Jarman
                       
The seas will always move along your smiling shore
The wind will always dance to the laughter of your song
The moon will always shine a passage on your waves
The stars will always guide you home where you belong

Swim away, swim away Moko
I will follow you

To touch your velvet skin and ride upon your back
To glide the crystal waters flying in the wind
Beyond imagination, floating in a dream
You take me far away to where I’ve never been

Swim away, swim away Moko
To the ocean blue 
Swim away, swim away Moko
I will follow you

Swim away, swim away Moko
I will always swim with you

           © Paul Jarman 2012