Yamko Rambe Yamko, a Folk Song from Papua
The Papuan people has always been keen in expressing their feelings and thoughts through arts. It could be crafts, music or decoration. One of the most popular way to express their feeling is by music, as music has already been a part of their life. One of the most famous folk songs from Papua is Yamko rambe Yamko.
YAMKO RAMBE YAMKO
Hee Yamko Rambe Yamko
Aronawa Kombe
Hee Yamko Rambe Yamko
Aronawa Kombe
Temino Kibe Kubano Ko Bombe Ko
Yuma No Bungo Awe Ade
Temino Kibe Kubano Ko Bombe Ko
Yuma No Bungo Awe Ade
Hongke Hongke, Hongke Riro
Hongke Jombe, Jombe Riro
Hongke Hongke, Hongke Riro
Hongke Jombe, Jombe Riro
Translation:
Hi dear the road being sought is promised
Hi dear the road being sought is promised
Oh the killings in the country
Oh the killings in the country – to become the flowers of the nation
The flowers of the nation, flowers of the nation – scattered flowers – at the garden of heroes
The flowers of the nation, flowers of the nation – scattered flowers – at the garden of heroes
The flowers of the nation, flower of the nation, scattered flowers
The flowesr of the nation, flowers of the nation, flowers grow
The writer of this folk song from Papua is unknown. This song has a fast and cheerful rhythm, which is why it is very easy to remember. However, on the contrary, this song has a sad meaning. The meaning of this song is “The search for the road” and it is embedded with a lot of mind provoking thoughts.
Yamko Rambe Yamko is a song about the war in Papua that happened in the past. This song is full of the spirit of patriotism. In this song, the first person sings of his/her desire be the flower of the nation, which means he/she is willing to sacrifice and defend Indonesia from the former imperialist that was once colonized Indonesia.
This song is one of the folk songs sung by students at school. This song would also be sung at special events such as at the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia, choir competitions or cultural events. There is also special dances to accompany this song, where the dancers hold traditional Papuan spears to symbolize the willingness to sacrifice.
