Thanks to the I am fuel, You are friends blog, I had the chance to experience one of the greatest moments in music recently – Pearl Jam playing a native Hawaii-an song, composed by Israel “The Gentle Giant” Kamakawiwo’ole.

The song is extremely powerful, covering the ancient theme of the land of the native Americans and the industrial revolution destroying their beauty.

The original version is sang by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole, one of the most appreciated Hawaiian artists. He started singing at the age of 11 and dies at the age of 38, suffering from a breathing illness caused by obesity – he was about 340 kg.

The Pearl Jam interpretation of the song preserves the power and emotion behind the original version, adding the power of Eddie Vedder’s voice. The performance was during a Pearl Jam show in Hawaii and is covered in Surfline magazine.

Courtesy of the I Am Fuel, You Are Friends blog, you can find both versions to listen to below:

Israel Kamakawiwo’ole – Hawai I ’78 – original version

Pearl Jam – Hawai I’78 – cover.