The song “Dadong Dauh” is one of the most popular Balinese folk songs (gending rare). Behind its cheerful melody often sung by children, this song actually has deep meaning about life, honesty, and the consequences of our actions.
Lyrics
Dadong Dauh ngelah siap putih
Suba metaluh reka
Minab ada limolas taluhne
Nanging lacur ada nak nepukin
Anak cerik cerik
Anak cerik cerik
Bas keliwat rusit ipun
Let’s Understand the Meaning!
If freely translated, the meaning is roughly like this:
Dadong Dauh ngelah siap putih: Grandma Dauh has a white chicken.
Suba metaluh reka: It turns out the chicken has laid eggs.
Minab ada limolas taluhne: There are about fifteen eggs.
Nanging lacur ada nak nepukin: But unfortunately, someone saw/knows about it.
Anak cerik-cerik, bas keliwat rusit ipun: The little children, who are excessively naughty/mischievous.
Meaning Behind the Song
There are several life lessons (moral messages) conveyed through this simple song:
Don’t Take What Isn’t Ours (Don’t Be Naughty) The main theme of this song is about children who target or take Grandma Dauh’s chicken eggs. The term “bas keliwat rusit” (too mischievous/naughty) serves as a strong reprimand. This song advises us not to be nosy, mischievous, or take other people’s belongings without permission.
The Importance of Keeping Trust/Secrets When Grandma Dauh had 15 eggs, it was safe until “ada nak nepukin” (someone saw). This is a metaphor that something valuable, if flaunted or not properly guarded, can invite ill intentions from others.
Learning Empathy and Respect for Elders Grandma Dauh is depicted as an old grandmother. Taking or disturbing an elderly person’s belongings is very disrespectful. This song teaches children from an early age to respect the elderly and not cause them trouble.
In conclusion: The song Dadong Dauh is a subtle way for Balinese elders of the past to teach children: “Don’t be a naughty child who is mischievous and takes other people’s things, okay? Have pity on others who have worked hard to take care of them.”
