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THANK YOU, LAM CHUN SEE:
Read his comments under Jimmy Linchong's posting. Ayo Mama or Ai Qing Nali Lai is by Teresa Teng [image above n below]. She learnt this song together with Rasa Sayang when she stayed in Indonesia. Rasa Sayang and Ayo Mama originated from the Maluku Islands (Spice Islands) of Indonesia.
Doesn't matter if you can't read Chinese. Enjoy song BELOW:
印度尼西亚民歌
小河弯弯 流水不断来
河里的水草
跟着漂过来
流水长在 长流那天外
问一声河里水草哪里来
哎哟 妈妈
莫非也像我的恋爱
哎哟 妈妈
可是来的这样奇怪
哎哟 妈妈
怎么你不讲个明白
谁知道我的爱情哪里来
小河弯弯 春风吹过来
河边的花香
跟着飘过来
遍地花开 芬芳到心怀
问一声春天从哪里来
哎哟 妈妈
你可不能不理不睬
哎哟 妈妈
我的寂寞情意难挨
哎哟 妈妈
给我怎么样的安排
你可叫我怎样的安排
谁知道我的爱情哪里来
Ayo Mama: Indonesian lyrics (literal translation):
Ayam hitam telurnya putih (Black chicken too has white eggs)
Mencari makan di pinggir kali (Searching for food by the lakeside)
Sinyo hitam giginya putih (Dark-skinned bride has white teeth)
Kalau ketawa manis sekali. (When she smiles, she's so sweet)
Ayo mama, jangan mama marah beta (Oh mum, don't you scold me)
Dia cuma cuma pegang beta (He's just holding her playfully)
Ayo mama, jangan mama marah beta (Oh mum, don't you scold me)
Lah orang muda punya biasa. (It's natural with the young)
Anyone willing to help with the Mandarin translation? Doesn't matter anyway. It's the beat that matters. Cha-cha-cha!!!
13 comments:
Thanks Andy. I think the movie which featured JLC singing this song must be this one titled Tropicana Interlude (椰林春恋). Here's a (not very flattering) review.
"But the plot just doesn’t matter – Ren (Jimmy's character in the movie) takes them on a picturesque tour of Malaysia – through Jopur, to Kuala Lumpur and on to the jewel of Penang where they visit many sites and watch a Malaysian wedding. All along the way I should mention Ren sings – and sings - and sings – some ten songs in total."
Like Elvis' movies too, since Jimmy's looks has been compared to The King.
The movies are just an excuse for the stars to sing. Not flattering at all.
Thanks Chun See.
In several of my recent public performances, I taught my Minstrels several songs from the Maluku Islands... so we entertained the crowd with songs which include AYO MAMA, BUKA PINTU,
SARINANDE, RASA SAYANG. All these songs originated in this region.
And they are lovely for singing or listening.
Sarinande is especially exquisite either as ukulele solo or duet with guitar.
The love for the home and strength of family, especially the mother, is one of the predominant themes in these songs, thus: 'Sioh Mama', 'Aer Susu Mama', 'Beta Sayang Mama' and of course 'Ayo Mama'.
Again, 'Buka Pintu', 'Nina Boboh' (Nina, my baby, go to sleep) reflect on the love for family and home.
Thank you unk Dick for your informative and enlightening contribution.
Aren't the islands called 'The Spice Islands' too?
Dr. Steven Farram should be able to write a few postings on this topic since he is a scholar on Indonesian culture.
Steve is a good friend who contributes time and again on this blog.
Hi Andy, yes the Maluku islands located in the Sulawesi Sea were also known as the Celebes or Spice Islands. Mace and nutmeg were top items. There are many islands in the chain of which Amboyna is the largest. One of the maids in my extended family is from there and has her home in a rustic part of the island by the sea. On X'mas Day last month, all gathered at my home for the traditional thing. I found out she was from there, brought out my ukulele and sang her those songs in her lingo.
She teared!
The other few Indo maids also joined in.
I invited them to sing for us while I provided accompaniment.
It was an occasion that was very emotional and memorable for them and all of us too.
I found the Indonesian version on YouTube here. This is sung by two children.
If anyone manages to locate the Jimmy Lin Chong version, pls let us know.
But most of all, we want to hear the Unk Dicko version!
Thanks unk Dick for your lovely story and short history of the Moluccas.
I am sure the Indon maids appreciate the songs you had for them. And with the ukelele too!
Thanks again Chun See for the connecting link to Ayo Mama.
Unk Dicko must do a recording of his songs on CD. We could always distribute them through our blogs.
No promise, I'll try to make a simple recording first...and upload.
Good for you.
Local singer Zhuang Xuefang （庄雪芳）recorded the song "Chu Ren Tou Di"（出人头地）in 1962, also adapted from Ayo Mama.
Thanks again Chun See.
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