8 Traditional Sundanese Songs, Complete Lyrics and Meanings

Traditional Sundanese Regional Songs – Hello, Sinaumed’s friends , if we talk about the province of West Java, of course, our memory will not be separated from the phrases “Bandung”, “Sunda” or “Peuyeum”. All the features of the Land of Sunda are the main attraction for people to discover the wealth of art in the western part of Java Island.

Sundanese is a term for tribes living in the Tatar Pasundan region, namely West Java and Banten. Of the many arts, here we will discuss traditional music or regional songs which are characteristic of Sundanese culture. Before going to traditional Sundanese folk songs, let’s first discuss the meaning of folk songs, their functions and characteristics. Let’s see.

Definition of Regional Songs

What is a folk song? Of course you all know what a folk song is, but specifically the meaning of a folk song is a song that originates from a certain area and becomes popular because it is sung by both local residents and the people who live there.

The regional songs themselves are very simple using regional languages or local languages which have been passed down from generation to generation. The themes raised in folk songs often become everyday topics, understandable and accepted in the lives of many people. The creators of regional songs themselves are often unknown or anonymous.

Traditional songs are often transmitted orally and developed according to the natural and social conditions of the region, so that each region is different. Folk songs are built on rhythms, verses and instruments and have the characteristics of poetry that tell about local culture, the order of daily life, and the customs of a region.

Regional Song Function

Before knowing examples of traditional Sundanese traditional songs, we must know the functions of traditional songs first, what are their functions. As a cultural product, folk songs generally have several functions.

Accompaniment of Traditional Ceremonies

Traditional ceremonies and traditional music are always related. In Indonesia, this can be seen in many local cultures in Indonesia. Traditional rituals use musical accompaniment to convey a sense of harmony and sympathy with nature. Usually this is done to celebrate certain rituals or festivals.

accompaniment

In addition to traditional ceremonies, traditional music is also used to accompany performances. Each region must have traditional dances and a clear connection with music. The most interesting thing is that each word in traditional music has its own meaning. The philosophy of each lyric is also often incorporated into certain performances, such as dances.

Media Playing Music

In addition to sacred activities, cultural products in the form of folk songs can also be used as a means of playing music. A very popular example is the song Rasa Sayang-Sayange from eastern Indonesia, namely Maluku. The song is often used as a background to play when playing music.

Communication tool

In the past, folk songs were often used as a means of communication. The lyrics contain a certain meaning that is passed on to the next generation. Regarding the meaning of folk songs, it is not surprising that many experts also believe that this cultural product is used as a messenger.

News Media

The purpose of the media is to convey certain messages, be it messages in the context of religion or humanity. An example is Lir-Ilir which is used as a means of preaching.

Characteristics of Regional Songs

As I mentioned above, one of the characteristics of regional songs is the use of their respective regional languages. Regional songs must have an adjustment to the origin and development of the song itself. But not only that, it turns out that there are still some characteristics of folk songs, including:

1. The language used

The most obvious thing is that most regional songs must use the regional language, which is the hallmark of a region. For example, the song Ayam Den Lapeh from West Sumatra, the lyrics are in the Minangkabau language or the song Yamko Rambe Yamko from Papua, the lyrics are in the Papuan language.

This is the main reason why only certain folk songs will be more popular, while others will remain in their native region, although they will continue to be preserved.

2. Hereditary inheritance

Local songs are often created from ancient times and serve a variety of purposes, including traditional ceremonies, celebrating success, great harvests, and more. In essence, it will only be delivered at certain times.

But even so, its existence continues to be passed down from generation to generation until now. It is designed to maintain and try to maintain its existence.

In fact, with the times, in terms of music and technology, many old folk songs were arranged to become more modern, but did not lose their original elements and meanings.

3. Unclear Creator

It turns out that, because a song is so old, its creator is often unknown. This is why many local song lyrics are written as “NN” or anonymous/unknown not all, but some. Once the song is choreographed and sprinkled with modern spices, a new writer will appear in the song’s bio. Well, that’s the characteristic of folk songs.

4. Musical Instruments Used

If today we can see how many types of musical instruments exist, such as modern musical instruments and others, but not for the application of traditional songs. Even though musical instruments are developing rapidly, they still use simple and unpretentious instruments when playing folk songs.

For example, the Sundanese song Sabilulungan is sung to the accompaniment of angklung music. However, if you return to the “Modernization” point of view, the instrument will automatically change as the song is arranged according to the times.

5. Simple Poems and Melodies

In general, folk songs always use simple rhymes and melodies, and there are even songs that only consist of 2, 4, or 6 stanzas which are then repeated many times.

However, there are also people whose repetition uses different sentences. The simplicity of the lyrics and melodies presented facilitates memorization, enjoyment and spontaneous recall.

6. Music Flow

The genre of music used is often adjusted to the ethnicity and region of each. For example, Zapin’s songs from Riau province have a Malay background, as well as songs from East Java which use Javanese with the Suroyo dialect.

7. Promotional Media and Other Theme Depictions

There are many traditional songs with promotional themes in the lyrics, such as describing the beauty of islands, waterfalls, beautiful beaches, high mountains, natural scenery, etc.

In addition, the topics discussed also vary. Such as stories of heroism, stories of certain characters, the origin of an object, and others.

Traditional Sundanese Regional Songs

Based on the definitions, functions and characteristics of folk songs, here are some of the Sundanese traditional song titles that we have managed to collect along with their lyrics and meanings.

1. Sundanese song “Sabilulungan”

In Indonesian, Sabilulungan means “Unity”. As the title suggests, the song tells a story about solidarity, mutual cooperation, and an invitation to anyone to stay united.

The song Sabilulungan itself was written by Sundanese artist Koko Koswara, or better known as Mang Koko. Through the lyrics of the song, it implies that the unity which has become the symbol of the Indonesian state is something that must be protected and preserved.

Lyrics of the folk song “Sabilulungan”

Sabilulungan … the basis of mutual cooperation

Sabilulungan…the nature of mutual cooperation

Sabilulungan…tiles are cut

Sabilulungan..tembok union

Tohaga rohaka

Firmly embrace the spirit of sabilulungan

Satia…sajiwa

Segut singkil eradicate articleingingan

Sabilulungan… breathe sauyunan

Sabilulungan… one way or another

Sabilulungan..nulung tinulungan

Sabilulungan..solid unity

Santosa samapta

Teuneung ludeung teaches authority

Saihwan says hello

Nagri Nanjung blesses sabilulungan

Sabilulungan … the basis of mutual cooperation

Sabilulungan…the nature of mutual cooperation

Sabilulungan…tiles are cut

Sabilulungan..tembok union

2. Sundanese song “Land of Sunda”

Tanah Sunda is a West Javanese folk song composed by Mang Koko (Koko Koswara), also developed in Majalengka Regency. The essence of the song is about the wealth of the Sundanese land, and advice to the people to always take good care of it.

This song seems to have many functions at once, divided into: personal function, entertainment function, and educational function. As an individual, Mang Koko Koswara wants to convey his heart to the people through this song to always protect this Sundanese heritage.

As an entertainment medium, Tanah Sunda was also frequently broadcast on many Sundanese stations such as Duta FM, Angkasa FM, and Raka FM at that time. In addition, this song is also used as a welcome song, so that guests can admire the wealth and art of Sunda.

Finally, this song functions as an educational medium, the Tanah Sunda song also contains a moral message of obligation and love for the Padjadjaran homeland.

Lyrics of the folk song “Tanah Sunda”

Sundanese land of authority

Gemah ripah tour endah

Nu, like to feel at home

Sundanese people

Sing toweksa perceka

Nangga dharma, so-and-so is real

Seweh parallels

Maybe you’re in love

Sing tuladen, jeung rumasa

Miara pakaya, indeed sawajibna

Geten titen, heritage land nurseries

3. Sundanese song “Panon Hideung”

Panon Hideung is a folk song composed by a Betawi country composer, Ismail Marzuki in 1936-1937. By Marzuki, the song was adapted from the Ochi Chernye song in Russia and became a milestone for the emergence of early Sundanese pop music, even though the song was borrowed from foreign songs.

Panon Hideung himself tells the story of Miss Eulis, the father of Parahiyangan of Sundanese-Arabic descent, who made Ismail Marzuki fall in love. He described the figure of Miss Eulis with beautiful black eyes, pointed nose and fair skin.

Lyrics of the folk song “Panon Hideung”

Panon hideung pipi koneng

Irung sharp daughter of Bandung

Putri saha where bumina

Abbi recipes kaanjeunna

Afternoon we dream

Hate servant sara is sad

Teuemut dahar

Teuemut drank

Emut kanu geulis

Panon Hideung

Translation:

Yellow-cheeked black eyes

Bandung daughter’s long nose

Whose son where is his home

I like him

Day and night dreams

My heart feels sad

Forget to eat

Forget drinking

Remember the beauty

Black eye

4. Sundanese song “Mojang Priangan”

In Indonesian, Mojang Priangan means “Priangan Girl” or “Bandung Girl”. There are two composers for this song, Iyar Wiarsih and Nano Suratno, these two people created this song.

As the title implies, “Mojang Priangan” tells about the beauty of the girls in the city of Bandung. From the way they walk, clothes, slim bodies, sweet smiles, all Bandung girls are idols for all men.

5. Sundanese song “Tokecang”

Tokécang is a West Javanese folk song which is also popular among the Sundanese people and even outside the Sundanese community. The song was also choreographed with pop music several times to make it more accessible to the wider public.

Tokecang is also one of the most famous folk songs in Indonesia, and has even been used as the soundtrack for a children’s soap opera on TV. Many people love this song, from children to adults, because of its upbeat, fast and witty lyrics.

Traditionally, tokecang is included in the play song genre, usually sung by children in pairs, facing each other and holding hands. While the song is being performed, the couple turns and rotates their hands so that they are facing each other.

Usually this game is done while waiting for something, either in the form of objects or people. The goal is to reduce boredom when waiting is too long, so that it fills spare time.

Lyrics of the folk song “Tokecang”

Tokecang tokecang bala gendir tosblong

Angeun empty sapependil beans

There is electricity in masigit meuni katingalna branch

Aya is a tall wife alit by dina pipina

Tokecang tokecang bala gendir tosblong

Angeun peanuts, empty sapependil nuts

6. Sundanese song Sumedang Away

The meaning of the Sumedang Tandang song is to tell about the condition and beauty that is owned in the Sumedang area, West Java.

Lyrics of the folk song “Sumedang Tandang”

Dangiang Sumedang jalanng ngahudag fighting galura Insun self-identity medal walagri pangeusi nagri Natar title nutur gentur luluhur ti dayeuh noble Tampomas rock prince so tangtung kateguhan Sumedang road, tartib is safe nyam throw away dangian Sumedang road, torta gawe udagan nanjung gumilang Sumedang, Sumedang, Sumedang road

Dangiang Sumedang jalanng ngahudag fighting galura Insun medal di…ri… walagri pangeusi nagri Natar title nutur galur luluhur dayeuh noble Luluhur dayeuh noble Jalan.. tangtung ka steadfast, kateguhan tangtungan Sumedang Tandang tartib securely throw away dangiang Sing throw away dangiang Sumedang road, la. .na..ma..jang.. Mangka lana mangka manjang mangka nanjung Mangkalangan, narawangan keur Sumedang road

Tandang juang, fighting spirit Insun self walagri pangeusi nagri Natartitle nutur galur luluhur dayeuh noble Luluhur dayeuh noble way..lan.. tangtung kateguhan, kateguhan tangtungan Sumedang road, safe..man dangiangan sing nyam throw dangiang Sumedang road, la..na. .man..jang.. Mangka lana mangka manjang mangka nanjung Mangkalangan, narawangan keur Sumedang road

7. Sundanese song “Pim Pom Pilem”

Pim Pom Pilem is a Sundanese game song that is often sung by children to choose something. In the game, one of the children will be assigned to be a kind of leader. The assigned group leader then shakes his left hand and places it in the center of the group.

The other children then imitate the leader by shaking his right hand and placing him in the middle of the group. Then, the leader clenched his fists again while singing the Pim Pom Pilem song together.

Lyrics of the folk song “Pim Pom Pilem”

Pim-pom filmm jabése

Sédan beureum from Jogja

The mudstone is deflated

Cau karonéng bananas

Néngtét single on the mountain

The cows are looking forward to fathoms

Parahuna tigulung

8. The Sundanese song “Squirrel Luncat”

Bajing Luncat is a West Javanese folk song composed by a famous Sundanese composer named Kosaman Djaja. In Indonesian, Luncat Squirrel can be interpreted as “Squirrel Jumping”.

This song is about a man who is disappointed when the woman he loves doesn’t keep his promise, but instead he leaves her with another man. He regretted why he didn’t propose to his girlfriend earlier. He is also disappointed because his girlfriend doesn’t want to wait for him, but instead his girlfriend prefers to be with another man.

Lyrics of the folk song “Bajing Luncat”

Squirrel squirt, squirt squirt

Ka astana ouch

I’m tired of narosan

Teu ti anggana

Squirrel squirt, squirt squirt

Ka astana uh

I’m tired of narosan

Teu ti anggana

I don’t think Salira bet

very broad

Teu hawatos

Ka nu kesel ngantos ngantos

Fire fire teu kana pasini emut

Be patient

uhh wear a heart…

Traditional songs have witnessed the development of Indonesian civilization since ancient times. Therefore, the cultural and artistic heritage of our ancestors must always be maintained and preserved at all times.

Therefore, this discussion includes the meaning of regional songs, functions, characteristics of traditional songs, and the lyrics and meaning of Sundanese traditional songs. Hopefully this article is useful to add to your insight and knowledge. Thank You.

Author: Ziaggi Fadhil Zahran

Source: from various sources