Sitsiritsit alibangbang
The word "sitsiritsit" is used to called someone's attention. "Alibangbang" can mean "butterfly". In the old days it also referred to a flirtatious woman.
Sitsiritsit alibangbang
Yo! Yo! Butterfly
Folk Song
Folk Song
(Tagalog)
(English)
Sitsiritsit, alibangbang
Salaginto, salagubang
Ang babae sa lansangan
Kung gumiri'y parang tandang
Santo Niño sa Pandacan
Puto seko sa tindahan.
Kung ayaw mong magpautang?
Uubusin ka ng langgam.
Mama, mama, namamangka
Pasakayin yaring bata
Pagdating sa Maynila
Ipagpalit ng manika
Ale, ale namamayong,
Pasukubin yaring sanggol
Pagdating sa Malabon
Ipagpalit ng bagoong.
Yo! Yo! Butterfly,
Goldbug, june bug
The woman on the block;
She struts like a peacock*.
Holy Child from Pandacan**
Cookies at the store.
Why don't you give me credit?
The ants will devour you.
Mister, mister, on the boat,
Take this child for a ride.
When you get to Manilla,
Exchange him for doll.
Lady, lady with the umbrella,
Shelter this baby in the shade.
When you get to Malabon,
Exchange him for fish paste.
Notes
*Literally "rooster".
**A district of Manilla in the Philippines
Comments
Puto seko is a type of Filipino cookie. Here's a recipe for Puto Seko
Thanks!
Thanks!
Thanks!
Thanks and Acknowledgements
Thanks to D.P. for contributing this song. Translation: Lisa
Maraming salamat!
