Bali is not only famous for its natural beauty and captivating dances, but also rich in traditional musical heritage. One of the most popular Balinese folk songs, often sung from an early age, is “Juru Pencar”.
This song falls into the category of Sekar Alit or Gending Rare (children’s songs). Although its melody is cheerful and simple, the song holds a deep philosophy about the life of Balinese coastal communities.
Lyrics of “Juru Pencar”
Below are the complete lyrics of “Juru Pencar” in Balinese:
Juru pencar, juru pencar
Mai jalan mencar, ngejuk bé
Bé gedé-gedé
Bé gedé-gedé
Di sawané ajaka liu
Meaning and Translation of the Song
To understand its meaning, here is a free translation of the lyrics of “Juru Pencar” into Indonesian:
Juru pencar, juru pencar
Meaning: Fisherman with a casting net, fisherman with a casting net (traditional fishermen using a casting net).
Mai jalan mencar, ngejuk bé
Meaning: Come, let’s cast the net together, catch fish.
Bé gedé-gedé
Meaning: Big fish, big fish.
Bé gedé-gedé
Meaning: Big fish, big fish.
Di sawané ajaka liu
Meaning: In the deep sea/deepest water channel with many people (together).
Meaning and Philosophy Behind the Song
Literally, “Juru Pencar” means fisherman with a casting net or a fisherman who uses a casting net (pencar). This song depicts the activities of traditional Balinese fishermen as they prepare and are enthusiastic to catch fish at sea.
However, if examined more deeply, this song contains several moral messages:
1. Work Ethic and Never-Give-Up Spirit
This song invites us to be agile individuals (ejor jani) and sharp in seeing opportunities (laku liat). To get big results (be gede-gede), effort and real action are needed, not just waiting idly.
2. Harmonious Relationship with Nature
Balinese people live by the concept of Tri Hita Karana, one of which is maintaining a good relationship with nature (Palemahan). The sea for Balinese people is a source of life as well as a sacred place. This song celebrates the abundance of marine resources provided by nature.
3. Education Through Joy
As a gending rare (children’s song), this song is sung with a cheerful melody so that children in Bali become familiar with their surroundings from an early age, especially maritime life.
