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Saturday, September 22, 2012

Scenic Sunday/Thursday theme song



The pagoda wasn't there when I was living in Sibu

My nephew Thomas with his pet in Australia.



When I was Thomas' age, Sarawak became part of Malaysia. During the transition, we were continued to be taught in English. But this song was sang a lot, without knowing the lyrics. 

In Canada, we had International evenings in the university, and the West Malaysian guy was frustrated we couldn't sing a children's song. It dawned on us, we didn't know the meaning. Then he told us it was not just about the bird, but the grandma who had 2 teeth.

It didn't make sense but it reminded me of a story of my youth about teeth. I saw a pair of lorikeets in school, and started teaching the Kiwi kids as we now emphasize on duality and respecting one's culture.

This is a real story,
There was an inter marriage .
Everyone rejoiced when the first baby was born. Unfortunately, the baby was born with her first tooth already cut.
Woe!!!!
said the man's family, a baby born with a tooth would eat her parents. She should be given away before tragedy strikes.
Over my dead body, says the mum.
We don't believe in such superstition.
Eventually, they compromised, Someone says having a God Mother would avert the problem. So she was baptised and my friend became her God Mother.



Burung Kakak tua
Cuckatoo, Oh Cuckatoo


Burung kakak tua
Hinggap di jendela
Nenek sudah tua
Giginya tinggal dua

Lechum Lechum Lechum
Mu la la
Lechum Lechum Lechum
Mu la la
Lechum Lechum Lechum
Mu la la
Burung Kakak Tua.
Cuckatoo, oh Cuckatoo,
Perching by itself,
Grandma has turned so grey*,
Has only two teeth left.

Lechum Lechum Lechum
Mu la la
Lechum Lechum Lechum
Mu la la
Lechum Lechum Lechum
Mu la la
Cuckatoo, oh cuckatoo.

1 comment:

NatureFootstep said...

nice kid. :) Sorry but I can´t find your todays flowers. :(