Bigi kaiman
The musical style of this song is kaseko. Kaseko is specifically from Suriname. It's a mix of African, European, American and native musical styles and involves dancing. There's also an element of call and response.
Caiman are cousins to the alligator.
Bigi kaiman
Big Caiman
Children's Song
Children's Song
(Sranan Tongo)
(English)
Bigi kaiman, kaiman, kaiman,
bigi kaiman djomp'a liba bari tjoewe-tjoewe.
Bigi kaiman, kaiman, kaiman,
bigi kaiman djomp'a liba bari tjoewe-tjoewe.
A bari tjoewe-tjoewe, a bari tjoewe-tjoewe,
bigi kaiman djomp'a liba bari tjoewe-tjoewe.
A bari tjoewe-tjoewe, a bari tjoewe-tjoewe,
bigi kaiman djomp'a liba bari tjoewe-tjoewe.
Big caiman, caiman, caiman,
Big caiman jumped into the river shouting, "Beware, beware!"
Big caiman, caiman, caiman,
Big caiman jumped into the river shouting, "Beware, beware!"
He shouted "Beware, beware!" He shouted "Beware, beware!"
Big caiman jumped into the river shouting, "Beware, beware!"
He shouted "Beware, beware!" He shouted "Beware, beware!"
Big caiman jumped into the river shouting, "Beware, beware!"
Notes
Sranang Tongo is a Creole of English, Dutch, Spanish and Portuguese with influences from African and Indian languages.
Words in the Song
Bigi = big, great
Kaiman = caiman, alligator
Liba = river
Bari = shout, scream
*****
Here's an alternate translation in which we call the "caiman", "alligators". It's singable to the tune...
Great big gator, gator, gator,
Big gator jumped in the river shouting, "Beware! Beware!"
He shouted "Beware, beware!" He shouted "Beware, beware!"
Big gator jumped in the river shouting, "Beware, beware!"
Thanks!
Thanks!
Thanks!
Thanks and Acknowledgements
Thanks to Huub de Vriend for contributing this song and the score. Both translations by Mama Lisa.
Photos of Caymans: Wikipedia, cc.
Grantangi!
