Marty Robbins – Ka Lu A (Love Song of Kalua): A Hawaiian Escape Sung with Unexpected, Heartfelt Passion
For many of us who grew up with the expansive musical genius of Marty Robbins, we know him best as the master of the Western ballad, the gunfighter, and the romantic country crooner. Yet, one of the most remarkable aspects of his career was his profound affection for Hawaiian music. “Ka Lu A”, often subtitled “Love Song of Kalua,” is a gorgeous, unexpected example of this passion, a vibrant deviation from the dusty trails of the West to the lush, tranquil beaches of the Pacific.
This song was a featured track on his 1963 album, Hawaii’s Calling Me, though it also appeared on a 1962 single B-side paired with “Hawaii’s Calling Me.” The decision to devote entire albums—he also released Song of the Islands in 1957—to this genre proves that his interest was more than a passing fancy; it was a deep, personal commitment. As an album track, “Ka Lu A” was not subjected to the intense pressure of the major country charts, but its inclusion on the album underscores its importance to Robbins‘s vision. These Hawaiian records, in fact, were quite successful within the Country & Western community, with his 1957 island album, Song of the Islands, being ranked No. 5 among the “Favorite C&W Albums” of 1958 by Billboard magazine. This indicates that while “Ka Lu A” wasn’t a crossover pop smash, it was deeply cherished by his loyal, established fanbase who appreciated his versatility.
The story behind the song is rooted in the history of Hawaiian music itself. “Ka Lu A” is a classic island tune, credited to composer James Hosale (or occasionally Kalua) and is considered a beautiful, traditional love song. Robbins was an astonishing interpreter of various styles, and here he lends his smooth, assured baritone to the melody, embracing the distinctive, rolling rhythm and the use of the steel guitar, which is central to the song’s atmosphere. He sings it with a genuine reverence that transcends a simple cover—it becomes a heartfelt tribute to the culture he clearly admired.
The meaning of “Ka Lu A” is pure, simple, and intoxicatingly romantic. The Hawaiian phrase “Ka Lua” can be translated to mean “The Pit” or “The Grave,” but in the context of this traditional song, it refers to the eternal, consuming nature of a deep love, often tied to a specific beautiful place in the islands. The lyrics evoke the soft, gentle beauty of the island landscape—the moon, the sand, the stars—all serving as witnesses to a timeless, powerful affection. It’s a song about a love that is all-encompassing, peaceful, and inextricably linked to the soothing, romantic environment.
For us who remember the era when music could effortlessly transport you to far-off lands, this song is a wonderful dose of island escapism and nostalgic romance. It reminds us that Marty Robbins was far more than a cowboy singer; he was a global crooner with a remarkable range and a deeply romantic heart. Listening to “Ka Lu A” now is like opening a window to a peaceful, warm evening long ago, where the worries of the world faded away beneath the sound of a Hawaiian guitar and a voice we knew we could trust. It’s a quiet testament to the idea that love, regardless of the language or the locale, is the most universal ballad of all.