Ayo Mama
"An Ambonese Malay song... Ayo Mama was written in the 19th century or probably earlier by an unknown person. Usually it's taught to children in elementary school." –Michael
Ambonese Malay (aka Ambonese) is a Malay-based creole language spoken on Ambon Island in Indonesia.
Ayo Mama
Oh Mother
Children's Song
Children's Song
(Ambonese Malay)
(English)
Ayo mama, jangan mama marah beta
Dia cuma, dia cuma pegang beta
Ayo mama, jangan mama marah beta
Lah orang muda punya biasa
Ayam hitam telurnya putih
Mencari makan di pinggir kali
Sinyo hitam giginya putih
Kalau ketawa manis sekali
Oh mother, please don't be angry with me
We like each other because we are just friends
Oh mother, please don't be angry with me
This is what young people are like.
A black chicken lays white eggs
While looking for food at the edge of the stream
Mr. black's teeth are white
If only I could be sweet again.
Notes
"These are two additional verses that I know. They are more based off the traditional pantun poems that there are so many of…." -Michael
Dari mana, datangnya lintah (From where do the leeches come from)
Darilah sawah, turun ke kali (They come from the end of the river)
Dari mana, datangnya cinta (But where does love come from)
Darilah mata turun ke hati (From the eyes all the way to the heart).
Kalau ada, sumur di ladang (Out in the well in the fields)
Bolehlah kita, menumpang mandi (When we take a bath)
Kalau ada, umurku panjang, (If you are old enough)
Bolehlah kita berjumpa lagi (We can be happy together again.)
Thanks!
Thanks!
Thanks!
Thanks and Acknowledgements
Many thanks to Michael Berman for sharing this song with the translation!
Dangke!
