This nigun is sung after lighting the candles of the menorah on Chanukah. Most Lubavitcher songs are not sung in the so-called cantorial style. They are based mainly on emotion of the heart and soul-expression. The Chassidim would sing when absorbed in prayer or during Chassidic gatherings for soul-searching. There are exceptional instances when Chabad melodies are sung in cantorial style. The prayer Haneirot Halolu is one such instance. This melody was sung in the yeshiva Tomchei T’mimim of Lubavitch (Russia) more than a half-century ago.
The translation to the words that are normally sung to this composition are: “We kindle these lights [to commemorate] the saving acts, miracles and wonders which You have performed for our forefathers, in those days at this time, through Your holy priests. Throughout the eight days of Chanukah, these lights are sacred, and we are not permitted to make use of them, but only to look at them, in order to offer thanks and praise to Your great Name for Your miracles, for Your wonders and for Your salvations.”