Manus Vote: The Counting Call 🌴
Style: Island Reggae, Pop Reggae
Tempo: 87-98 BPM
(Intro - Instrumental featuring a strong bass line, light skanking guitar, and a simple drum groove. An echoing "Lorengau!" is heard.)
Verse 1: The Poll is Done 🗳️
(Lead Vocal)
Polling stations closed today, the seventh of November
(Echo-Call - Response: Seventh of November!)
The people's voice has spoken, a moment to remember.
From Rapatona, boats are gliding on the sea,
Heading for the town market, where the future's gonna be.
Twelve LLG presidents, their fate is sealed and sent,
Now the count team is preparing, for what the people meant.
(Call - Response - Answers: Who gonna win? The winner!)*
Money spent in campaigns, now anxiety runs high,
For the one with the majority, beneath the Manus sky.
Chorus: The Counting Call (Gang Vocals & Close Harmonies) 📢
(Gang Vocals & Unison Chanting, strongpela na 'rhythmic')
LORENGAU, harim singaut bilong kaunim!
(Classical Reggae Harmony)
Amamas i go antap, mipela i no inap larim em i pundaun!
(Lead Vocal Double)
Long taun maket, ol namba i stat long go antap,
(Close Harmonies)
Ol nupela lida i kirap long gutpela taim bilong Manus!
(Octave Doubling long "Ol nupela lida")
Oh, ol manmeri i wet, long san na long nait,
Mipela i nidim ol man
Verse 2: Town is Buzzing 🗣️
(Lead Vocal)
The whole town's making noise, a celebration vibe,
(Whispered Vocals: Listen close...)
Scrutineers are watching, taking notes with every tribe.
The debates are burning, 'bout who's gonna take the lead,
(Call - and Response Variations: My man! Your man?)*
Some worried about their money, some just planting hope's seed.
Public servants working, gotta keep their duties true,
(Unison Duet)
For the children watching, learning what the grown-ups do.
Names not on the roll, a lesson to be learned,
But for the votes submitted, the results must now be earned.
Chorus: The Counting Call (Gang Vocals & Close Harmonies) 📢
(Gang Vocals & Unison Chanting, powerful and rhythmic)
LORENGAU, hear the counting call!
(Classical Reggae Harmony)
Excitement rising, we won't let it fall!
(Lead Vocal Double)
At the town market, the numbers start to climb,
(Close Harmonies)
New leaders rising for a better Manus time!
(Octave Doubling on "New leaders")
Oh, the people waiting, through the day and through the night,
We need honest servants, to declare the truth and right!
Verse 3: Stay Alert, Stay Safe 👮
(Lead Vocal)
Police patrols are moving, through the streets of Lorengau,
(Echo Calls - Response: Stay peaceful now!)
Disputes among the scrutineers, we gotta keep them low.
We pray for peace and order, 'til the final name is said,
Guard your homes and families, don't lose your cool, don't lose your head.
The Governor and Police, must keep a watchful eye,
(Chanting: Alert, alert, for freedom high!)
This is a game we play, to see whose vision stands the test,
When the winners are declared, some sorrow, some are blessed.
Verse 4: Hope for a Better Manus 🏝
