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Top 10 Malaysian Traditional Songs

Discover the timeless folk songs that have been passed down through generations, from beloved lullabies to festive dance music.

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1. Rasa Sayang2. Chan Mali Chan3. Burung Kakak Tua4. Lenggang Kangkung5. Suriram6. Anak Itik Tok Wi7. Dayung Sampan8. Bunga Melor9. Potong Bebek Angsa10. Geylang Si Paku Geylang
#1

Rasa Sayang

Feeling of Love

Malay Archipelago

Pre-colonial

The most famous Malaysian folk song, known throughout Southeast Asia. "Rasa Sayang" uses the traditional Malay pantun (quatrain) poetry form with verses about love and longing. It became iconic as a symbol of Malaysian culture.

🎵 Love Song (Pantun)

🇲🇾Lyrics (Malay)

Rasa sayang, hey! Rasa sayang sayang hey Hey lihat nona jauh Rasa sayang sayang hey Buah cempedak di luar pagar Ambil galah tolong jolokkan Saya budak baru belajar Kalau salah tolong tunjukkan Rasa sayang, hey! Rasa sayang sayang hey Hey lihat nona jauh Rasa sayang sayang hey Pulau Pandan jauh ke tengah Gunung Daik bercabang tiga Hancur badan dikandung tanah Budi yang baik dikenang juga

🇬🇧Translation (English)

Feeling of love, hey! Feeling of love, love, hey Hey, looking at the maiden afar Feeling of love, love, hey The cempedak fruit is beyond the fence Get a pole to help knock it down I am a child, still learning If I'm wrong, please teach me Feeling of love, hey! Feeling of love, love, hey Hey, looking at the maiden afar Feeling of love, love, hey Pandan Island is far out at sea Mount Daik has three peaks Though my body turns to dust Good deeds will still be remembered

Cultural Significance

Represents the pantun tradition of Malay poetry, where the first two lines set up a metaphor and the last two deliver the message.

Did You Know?

  • •Claimed by both Malaysia and Indonesia as cultural heritage
  • •Uses the traditional pantun poetry structure
  • •Featured in the Visit Malaysia campaign
  • •Has hundreds of different pantun verses
#2

Chan Mali Chan

Chan Mali Chan

Malacca / Malay Peninsula

15th-16th Century

A beloved Malay folk song from the Malacca Sultanate era. The playful, rhythmic song has been passed down through generations and is often sung at cultural events. The meaning of "Chan Mali Chan" is debated, possibly referring to sounds or a person's name.

🎵 Folk Song

🇲🇾Lyrics (Malay)

Chan mali chan, chan mali chan Chan mali chan, ketipung payung Chan mali chan, chan mali chan Chan mali chan, ketipung payung Anak ayam turun sepuluh Mati seekor tinggal sembilan Anak kambing turun sekawan Mati seekor tinggal lapan Chan mali chan, chan mali chan Chan mali chan, ketipung payung Nenek-nenek si bongkok tiga Siang mengantuk malam berjaga Cuci kain di tepi sumur Kain basah dicampak jauh Teng-teng-teng, tenaga kuda Kalau mati sahaya yang rugi

🇬🇧Translation (English)

Chan mali chan, chan mali chan Chan mali chan, ketipung payung Chan mali chan, chan mali chan Chan mali chan, ketipung payung Ten baby chicks come down One dies, nine remain A group of young goats come down One dies, eight remain Chan mali chan, chan mali chan Chan mali chan, ketipung payung Grandmother bent over three times Drowsy by day, awake at night Washing clothes by the well Wet clothes thrown far away Teng-teng-teng, horse power If it dies, I'm the one who loses

Cultural Significance

One of the oldest surviving Malay folk songs, representing the rich oral tradition of the Malay Peninsula.

Did You Know?

  • •Dates back to the Malacca Sultanate period
  • •"Ketipung payung" may refer to traditional drums
  • •Often performed with traditional dance movements
  • •Verses are playful and often nonsensical
#3

Burung Kakak Tua

The Cockatoo

Maluku / Malay Archipelago

Colonial Era

A charming folk song about an elderly cockatoo. Originally from the Maluku Islands, it spread throughout the Malay world. The song uses the bird as a metaphor for wisdom and aging, often sung by children.

🎵 Children's Song

🇲🇾Lyrics (Malay)

Burung kakak tua Hinggap di jendela Nenek sudah tua Giginya tinggal dua Letuk, letuk, letuk Letuk, letuk, letuk Nenek sudah tua Giginya tinggal dua Burung kakak tua Paruhnya panjang bengkok Nenek sudah tua Badannya sudah bongkok Letuk, letuk, letuk Letuk, letuk, letuk Nenek sudah tua Badannya sudah bongkok

🇬🇧Translation (English)

The cockatoo bird Perched at the window Grandmother is already old Only two teeth left Knock, knock, knock Knock, knock, knock Grandmother is already old Only two teeth left The cockatoo bird Its beak is long and curved Grandmother is already old Her body is already hunched Knock, knock, knock Knock, knock, knock Grandmother is already old Her body is already hunched

Cultural Significance

Teaches children to respect and be kind to elderly people through playful comparison with the cockatoo bird.

Did You Know?

  • •One of the most popular children's songs in Malaysia
  • •The cockatoo represents wisdom and longevity
  • •"Letuk" imitates the bird's pecking sound
  • •Also popular in Indonesia and Singapore
#4

Lenggang Kangkung

Swaying Water Spinach

Malay Peninsula

Traditional

A lively song about water spinach (kangkung) swaying in water. It's traditionally accompanied by the Joget dance, one of Malaysia's most popular folk dances. The song celebrates simple village life.

🎵 Folk Dance Song

🇲🇾Lyrics (Malay)

Lenggang lenggang kangkung Kangkung di tepi kali Kangkung di tepi kali Lenggang lenggang kangkung Lenggang-lenggang si dayang Si dayang cantik menawan Si dayang cantik menawan Lenggang-lenggang si dayang Kalau tuan mudik ke hulu Carikan saya bunga melati Kalau tuan mati dahulu Nantikan saya di pintu syurga Lenggang lenggang kangkung Patah kayu bergoyang Patah kayu bergoyang Lenggang lenggang kangkung

🇬🇧Translation (English)

Swaying, swaying water spinach Water spinach by the river Water spinach by the river Swaying, swaying water spinach Swaying, swaying maiden The maiden is beautiful and charming The maiden is beautiful and charming Swaying, swaying maiden If you go upstream Find me a jasmine flower If you die before me Wait for me at heaven's gate Swaying, swaying water spinach Broken branch swaying Broken branch swaying Swaying, swaying water spinach

Cultural Significance

Represents the joget tradition and village life, often performed at weddings and celebrations.

Did You Know?

  • •Accompanied by the traditional Joget dance
  • •Kangkung (water spinach) is a common Malaysian vegetable
  • •The swaying motion mimics the vegetable in water
  • •Popular at Malay weddings and festivals
#5

Suriram

Suriram

Malay Peninsula

Traditional

A gentle, melodic lullaby sung to soothe children to sleep. "Suriram" creates a peaceful atmosphere with its soft melody and calming lyrics about beautiful scenery and peaceful sleep.

🎵 Lullaby

🇲🇾Lyrics (Malay)

Suriram, suriram Suriram ram ram ram Suriram, suriram Suriram ram ram ram Sungguh manis dayang ku ini Sungguh manis dayang ku ini Manis seperti gula Manis seperti gula Suriram, suriram Suriram ram ram ram Tidurlah adik tidur dengan nyenyak Tidurlah adik tidur dengan nyenyak Kakak jaga dari jauh Kakak jaga dari jauh Suriram, suriram Suriram ram ram ram Suriram, suriram Suriram ram ram ram

🇬🇧Translation (English)

Suriram, suriram Suriram ram ram ram Suriram, suriram Suriram ram ram ram How sweet is my darling How sweet is my darling Sweet like sugar Sweet like sugar Suriram, suriram Suriram ram ram ram Sleep little one, sleep soundly Sleep little one, sleep soundly Sister watches from afar Sister watches from afar Suriram, suriram Suriram ram ram ram Suriram, suriram Suriram ram ram ram

Cultural Significance

One of the most beloved Malay lullabies, passed down through generations to comfort children.

Did You Know?

  • •The word "Suriram" has no specific meaning - it's a soothing sound
  • •Often sung while gently rocking children
  • •Has a hypnotic, calming melody
  • •Still commonly sung by Malaysian parents today
#6

Anak Itik Tok Wi

Tok Wi's Duckling

Kelantan / East Coast

Traditional

A playful song from the East Coast of Malaysia about a duckling belonging to Tok Wi (an elderly person). The repetitive, catchy melody makes it perfect for children, teaching counting and rhythm.

🎵 Children's Song

🇲🇾Lyrics (Malay)

Anak itik tok wi, tok wi, tok wi Anak itik tok wi, tok wi anak itik Anak itik tok wi, tok wi, tok wi Anak itik tok wi, tok wi anak itik Masuk kolam, tok wi, tok wi, tok wi Masuk kolam, tok wi, tok wi, masuk kolam Masuk kolam, tok wi, tok wi, tok wi Masuk kolam, tok wi, tok wi, masuk kolam Kuar kolam, tok wi, tok wi, tok wi Kuar kolam, tok wi, tok wi, kuar kolam Kuar kolam, tok wi, tok wi, tok wi Kuar kolam, tok wi, tok wi, kuar kolam

🇬🇧Translation (English)

Tok Wi's duckling, tok wi, tok wi Tok Wi's duckling, tok wi, duckling Tok Wi's duckling, tok wi, tok wi Tok Wi's duckling, tok wi, duckling Going into the pond, tok wi, tok wi Going into the pond, tok wi, into the pond Going into the pond, tok wi, tok wi Going into the pond, tok wi, into the pond Coming out of the pond, tok wi, tok wi Coming out of the pond, tok wi, out of the pond Coming out of the pond, tok wi, tok wi Coming out of the pond, tok wi, out of the pond

Cultural Significance

Represents the rural, agrarian lifestyle of traditional Malay villages.

Did You Know?

  • •Originally from Kelantan on the East Coast
  • •The repetitive structure helps children learn rhythm
  • •Actions often accompany the song
  • •"Tok Wi" is a term of endearment for elderly
#7

Dayung Sampan

Rowing the Sampan

Malay Archipelago

Traditional

A rhythmic work song traditionally sung by fishermen while rowing their sampan (small boat). The steady rhythm helped coordinate rowing movements and pass the time during long journeys.

🎵 Work Song

🇲🇾Lyrics (Malay)

Dayung sampan, dayung Dayung selaju-lajunya Dayung sampan, dayung Dayung selaju-lajunya Kalau sampan nak laju Dayung jangan berbuai Kalau hidup nak maju Budi jangan cerai Dayung sampan, dayung Di laut matahari terbit Dayung sampan, dayung Mencari rezeki

🇬🇧Translation (English)

Row the boat, row Row as fast as possible Row the boat, row Row as fast as possible If you want the boat to go fast Don't let the oar swing loosely If you want life to progress Don't abandon good character Row the boat, row At sea the sun rises Row the boat, row Seeking livelihood

Cultural Significance

Represents the maritime heritage of the Malay people who have been seafarers for centuries.

Did You Know?

  • •A sampan is a traditional flat-bottomed boat
  • •Rowing songs helped synchronize movements
  • •Contains advice about life and hard work
  • •Still sung in fishing communities today
#8

Bunga Melor

Jasmine Flower

Malay Peninsula

Traditional

A romantic song comparing a beloved to the fragrant jasmine flower (bunga melor). Jasmine holds special significance in Malay culture, often used in weddings and symbolizing purity and love.

🎵 Love Song

🇲🇾Lyrics (Malay)

Bunga melor, bunga melati Bunga seroja di taman hati Bunga melor, bunga melati Bunga seroja di taman hati Wajahmu elok bunga hati ku Senyumanmu manis mencuri kalbu Harum semerbak mewangi selalu Bunga melor di hati ku Melor di pagar, melati di dinding Seroja di taman, mawar di halaman Kelopak gugur, tangkai meranggas Namun harum tetap abadi

🇬🇧Translation (English)

Jasmine flower, frangipani Lotus flower in the garden of my heart Jasmine flower, frangipani Lotus flower in the garden of my heart Your beautiful face, flower of my heart Your sweet smile steals my heart Fragrant and aromatic always Jasmine in my heart Jasmine at the fence, frangipani on the wall Lotus in the garden, rose in the yard Petals fall, stems wither But the fragrance remains eternal

Cultural Significance

Jasmine is deeply symbolic in Malay culture, representing purity, beauty, and eternal love.

Did You Know?

  • •Jasmine is used in Malay weddings
  • •The flower symbolizes purity and modesty
  • •Often sung at engagement ceremonies
  • •Melor (jasmine) is a popular girl's name
#9

Potong Bebek Angsa

Cutting the Duck and Goose

Malay Archipelago

Traditional

A fun, action-oriented children's song with accompanying hand movements. Despite the somewhat violent-sounding title, it's a playful song about preparing food, teaching children about traditional cooking.

🎵 Children's Game Song

🇲🇾Lyrics (Malay)

Potong bebek angsa Masak di kuali Nona-nona cantik Jalan ke mari Sorong-sorong, sorong ke kanan Sorong-sorong, sorong ke kiri Sorong-sorong, sorong ke kanan Pusing, pusing sini Potong bebek angsa Masak di periuk Nona-nona cantik Sila duduk

🇬🇧Translation (English)

Cutting the duck and goose Cooking in the pan Beautiful maidens Come this way Push, push, push to the right Push, push, push to the left Push, push, push to the right Turn, turn here Cutting the duck and goose Cooking in the pot Beautiful maidens Please sit down

Cultural Significance

Combines music with physical activity, teaching coordination and following instructions.

Did You Know?

  • •Includes hand and body movements
  • •Often played in kindergartens
  • •Teaches basic cooking concepts to children
  • •Has variations throughout Southeast Asia
#10

Geylang Si Paku Geylang

Geylang, the Thorny Geylang

Singapore/Malay Peninsula

19th Century

A nostalgic song referencing Geylang, an area known for its paku (fern) plants. The song speaks of village life and romantic longing, connecting to the shared heritage of Malaysia and Singapore.

🎵 Folk Song

🇲🇾Lyrics (Malay)

Geylang si paku geylang Geylang si rama-rama Geylang si paku geylang Geylang si rama-rama Pulau Pinang jauh ke tengah Di situlah kapal berlabuh Hati dendam tak apa Asalkan badan jangan berebut Geylang si paku geylang Geylang si rama-rama Geylang si paku geylang Geylang si rama-rama Pisang emas dibawa berlayar Masak sebiji di atas peti Hutang emas boleh dibayar Hutang budi dibawa mati

🇬🇧Translation (English)

Geylang with the fern, Geylang Geylang with the butterflies Geylang with the fern, Geylang Geylang with the butterflies Penang Island far at sea That's where ships anchor A grudging heart is fine As long as there's no physical fight Geylang with the fern, Geylang Geylang with the butterflies Geylang with the fern, Geylang Geylang with the butterflies Golden bananas taken sailing One ripens on a chest Gold debts can be repaid Debts of kindness are carried to death

Cultural Significance

Represents the shared Malay heritage between Malaysia and Singapore before separation.

Did You Know?

  • •Geylang is now an area in Singapore
  • •"Paku" refers to fern plants that grew there
  • •Contains traditional pantun wisdom
  • •Symbolizes the intertwined history of Malaysia and Singapore

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most famous Malaysian traditional song?

"Rasa Sayang" is the most famous Malaysian traditional song, known throughout Southeast Asia. It features the traditional pantun poetry form and has become an iconic symbol of Malaysian culture.

What is pantun in Malay music?

Pantun is a traditional form of Malay poetry consisting of four-line stanzas (quatrains). The first two lines create a mood or imagery, while the last two lines deliver the main message. Many traditional Malay songs use this poetic form.

What instruments are used in traditional Malaysian music?

Traditional Malaysian music uses instruments like the gamelan (bronze percussion ensemble), rebab (bowed string instrument), kompang (hand drum), gendang (double-headed drum), and various gongs.

Are Malaysian traditional songs taught in schools?

Yes, Malaysian traditional songs are part of the school curriculum in Malaysia. They are taught during music classes and performed at school events to preserve cultural heritage and foster national identity.

Related Guides

Patriotic Songs
Top 10 national songs with lyrics
Culture Guide
Malaysian customs & traditions
Language Guide
Bahasa Malaysia basics