Hamama (Original) by Phil Leith

This song came about when a playful little pattern picking lick I found on the guitar (which doesn't appear anywhere in the song, but it did inspire the melody) met a lovely woman from Pakistan last weekend with a personality to match it. She was a force of nature, coming out of her shell. It was fun to watch. Sweet. Pretty. Opinionated. And trying things she'd never tried.

I didn't intend this to be a bluegrass tune. But considering the lick was somewhat bluegrassy to begin with, and the fact that I needed a very playful instrument like a mandolin weaving its way around the song to illustrate her lively personality ... well ... there was nothing for it. Add a fiddle and call it done. I think the conga drums make it a little different, though.

Hamama
Phil Leith, 8/2018

Hey, Hamama - with the laughing eyes
I believe that you must be a fairy in disguise
The sunshine and laughter that you bring into my life
Hey Hamama, won't you come out and play tonight?

Hey Hamama, talking with your hands
It may seem there're many things that you don't understand
You've the heart of a butterfly, and the wisdom of a child
Hey, Hamama - oh, you drive me wild

Everyone around you is captured by your spell
The love you send the world comes back a million times as well

Hey, Hamama - with the laughing eyes
I believe that you must be a fairy in disguise
The sunshine and laughter that you bring into my life
Hey Hamama, won't you come out and play tonight?