Leron, Leron Sinta

SATB div. a cappella (also available in SSAA and TTBB voicings)
3:20 approx.

 

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Leron, Leron Sinta or “My Dear, Little Leron,” is a popular Filipino folk song from the Tagalog region. It is traditionally a work song, representing those who are in the fields harvesting fruits, though the origin is unclear due to the lack of scholarly literature that examines Philippine folk music. It is often presented as a children’s song, though some parts of the text may have been meant for a more mature audience. Some sources also refer to it as a courtship song. 

Also available in SSAA and TTBB voicings, as well as a version for string orchestra.

LERON, LERON SINTA
traditional Philippine folk

Leron, Leron sinta,
buko ng papaya. 
Dala-dala’y buslo,
sisidlan ng bunga. 
Pagdating sa dulo’y,     
nabali ang sanga. 
Kapos kapalaran,
humanap ng iba. 

Gumising ka, neneng;   
tayo’y manampalok. 
Dalhin mo ang buslong,
sisidlan ng hinog. 
Pagdating sa dulo’y, 
lalamba-lambayog.
Kumapit ka, neneng;
baka ka mahulog.  

Ang iibigin ko’y           
lalaking matapang. 
Baril niya a pito;              
sundang niya ay siyam.   
Ang lalakarin niya’y  
parte ng dinulang.      
Isang pinggang pansit  
ang kanyang kalaban

~~~

Leron, Leron, my dear,
blossoms of the papaya tree,

with a bamboo basket,

he’d gather some fruits.

But when he reached the top (of the tree),
the branch broke.

Oh, what a trick of fate,

he had to search for another.

Wake up, neneng*;

let’s pick some tamarind fruits.
Take the bamboo baskets,

to put the ripe ones in.

Upon reaching the top (of the tree),
the branches swayed heavily.

Hold on tight, neneng*;

As you might fall.

The one I will love

is a fearless man.

He has seven guns

and nine knives.

The journey he will take
is the distance of a table.
A plate of noodles is his foe!