Bing discovered this song in Honolulu while preparing to film the movie Waikiki Wedding. To the chagrin of Robin and Rainger, who were writing the songs of Waikiki Wedding, Bing insisted that "Leilani" be included in the movie. During filming Bing walked off the set to play golf until the director consented to include the song, which ended up winning the Academy Award for best song of the year. Bing recorded "Sweet Leilani" Feb. 23, 1937 with Lani McIntire and his Hawaiians. The song spent 25 weeks on the pop charts, including 10 weeks atop the charts. It became the first of Bing's 22 gold records. The flip side of this record, "Blue Hawaii," also charted as high as No. 5.
Sweet Leilani
Heavenly flower
Nature fashioned roses kissed with dew
And then she placed them in a bower
It was the start of you.
Sweet Leilani
Heavenly flower
I dreamed of paradise for two.
You are my paradise completed.
You are my dream come true.
Sweet Leilani
Heavenly flower
Tropic skies are jealous as they shine
I think they're jealous of your blue eyes
Jealous hecause you're mine.
Sweet Leilani
Heavenly flower
I dreamed of paradise for two.
You are my paradise completed.
You are my dream come true.
You are my paradise completed.
You are my dream come true.