| "The Songcord" | |
|---|---|
 Song performed by Zoe Saldaña | |
|
Released |
December 15, 2022 |
|
Format |
Digital download, airplay |
|
Recorded |
2022 |
The Songcord is a song composed by Simon Franglen and performed by Zoe Saldaña. It is performed twice by Neytiri during Avatar: The Way of Water: At the beginning of the film when the kids of the Sully family are introduced and at the end in a ceremony as lament after the death of Jake's and Neytiri's oldest son Neteyam.
The song recites part of her personal songcord, a tactile representation of historical events in her life, the meaning of which is revealed only to close friends and family members, and is buried with the owner upon their death.[1][2]
In the song, Neytiri thanks Eywa for the life of her kids, especially Neteyam's, and welcomes Kiri into the Sully family.
Lyrics[]
| Na'vi | English |
|---|---|
| (Irayo) | (Thank you) |
| Lie si oe Neteyamur, | I experience Neteyam, |
| Nawma Sa'nokur mìfa oeyä. | (And) the Great Mother, within me. |
| Atanti ngal molunge, | You brought light, |
| Mipa tìreyti, mipa 'itanti. | New life, a new son. |
| Lawnol a mì te'lan. | (Great) joy within my heart. |
| Lawnol a mì te'lan. | (Great) joy within my heart. |
| Ngaru irayo seiyi ayoe | We thank you |
| Tonìri tìreyä, | For the nights of (our) life, |
| Ngaru irayo seiyi ayoe | We thank you |
| Srrìri tìreyä, | For the days of (our) life, |
| Ma Eywa, ma Eywa. | Oh Eywa, oh Eywa. |
| Zola'u nìprrte', ma Kiri. | Welcome, Kiri. |
| Ngati oel munge soaiane. | I bring you to the family. |
| Lie si oe atanur, | I experience the light, |
| Pähem parul, tì'ongokx ahuta. | A miracle arrives, an unexpected birth. |
| Lawnol a mì te'lan. | (Great) joy within my heart. |
| Lawnol a mì te'lan. | (Great) joy within my heart. |
| Ngaru irayo seiyi ayoe | We thank you |
| Tonìri tìreyä, | For the nights of (our) life, |
| Ngaru irayo seiyi ayoe | We thank you |
| Srrìri tìreyä, | For the days of (our) life, |
| Ma Eywa, ma Eywa. | Oh Eywa, oh Eywa. |
External links[]
Trivia[]
- Simon Franglen had written the Songcord theme on his own before he was even asked to compose the score for Avatar: The Way of Water. He sent his early version of the song as MP3 file to James Cameron, which ultimately convinced the director to pick Franglen as composer.[3]
- The Na'vi vocals performed by Zoë Saldaña were recorded during production on the stage instead of in a recording studio.[4]