Song Meaning

Hank Snow's "Everybody Does It In Hawaii" is less a geographical study and more a cheeky postcard from paradise, filtered through a distinctly mid-20th century male gaze. The surface narrative is simple: a visitor arrives in Hawaii, is immediately smitten with a 'hula hula girl,' and plans to whisk her away from Waikiki. But beneath the ukulele-tinged cheer lies a more complex, and frankly, problematic subtext about cultural appropriation and objectification. The repeated line, 'everybody does it in Hawaii,' acts as both a justification for his behavior and a commentary on the perceived exoticism of the islands. It suggests a place where norms are relaxed, and desires are readily fulfilled, reinforcing a potentially harmful stereotype. The lyrics lean heavily into physical description ('two pretty legs with dimple knees,' 'two brown arms and they know how to squeeze'), reducing the woman to a collection of desirable attributes. This objectification is further amplified by the possessive tone ('I'm goin' to take my hula hula girl'). The song subtly implies a power dynamic where the visitor feels entitled to claim ownership over a local woman, seemingly without considering her agency or cultural context. The phrase 'I'm hard to please' adds a layer of self-importance, suggesting his affections are a prize to be won. Ultimately, "Everybody Does It In Hawaii" operates on multiple levels. It's a lighthearted, if somewhat dated, tune celebrating the allure of a tropical getaway. However, a deeper lyrics analysis reveals a troubling undercurrent of cultural insensitivity and objectification. The 'everybody does it' refrain becomes a shield, deflecting any potential criticism with a shrug and a wink, revealing a casual disregard for the complexities of human connection and cultural respect. It serves as a potent reminder of how easily paradise can be warped by the lens of privilege and entitlement.