Soleram

Soleram or Suliram^[3] (also known as Soreram, or Suriram^[4]) is a folk song from Riau, Indonesia.^[5][6][7] It is also a well-known folk song in Malaysia.^[4] This song is melodious and sung in a gentle rhythm, with lyrics that are relatively short and easy to remember.^[8][9] A version popular in Indonesia was written by Muhammad Arief, a musician from Banyuwangi.^[10]

"Soleram"
Song by Indonesian
Language	Classical Malay
English title	Soleram, Suliram
Genre	Folk Song
Songwriter(s)	Indonesian

"Suliram"
Song by The Weavers
from the album All Over This Land: Singles As & Bs and More
Language	Indonesian
English title	Suliram
Released	1949
Genre	Folk Song

"Suliram (Indonesian Lullaby)"
Song by Pete Seeger
from the album The Complete Bowdoin College Concert, 1960
Language	Indonesian
English title	Suliram
Released	1960
Genre	Folk Song
Length	3:13

"Suliram"
Song by Miriam Makeba
from the album Miriam Makeba (1960)
Language	Indonesian
English title	Suliram
Released	1960
Genre	Folk Song
Length	3:13

"Soleram"
Song by Orkes Irama
from the album Mari Bersuka Ria dengan Irama Lenso
Language	Indonesian
English title	Soleram
Released	1965
Genre	Folk Song Pop Song
Length	3:59[1]
Label	Irama
Songwriter(s)	Muhammad Arief
Producer(s)	Jack Lesmana

"Soleram"
Song by D'lloyd
from the album 20 Tembang Pilihan D'lloyd
Language	Indonesian
English title	Soleram
Released	1970
Genre	Folk Song Pop Song
Length	2:47[2]

The Soleram song has many variations in its lyrics. The song, thought to be a lullaby of the Riau people, may contain messages that parents want to convey to their children at bedtime, such as words of endearment, being modest and holding on to old friends.^{[11][12][13][14]}

Background

Soleram or Suliram is a traditional song of the Riau people.^[13][7] The song is found in other regions outside Riau. In Malaysia, it is a popular lullaby spelt Suriram, and the country also lays claim to the song.^[4][15] The verses may be in the form of a Malay pantun with an ABAB rhyming scheme, there are, however, variations in lyrics and rhymes in different versions.

Soleram or Suliram is one of the Indonesian folk songs that caught the international interest, notably since The Weavers (an American folk music quartet) recorded the song in 1949. Pete Seeger who was a member of The Weavers also performed the song.^[16][17][9] and Miriam Makeba recorded a version in 1960.^[18] In Indonesia, the song has been recorded by music groups such as Orkes Irama in 1965 and D'lloyd in 1970.^[19] The song has been recorded in Malaysia by singers such as Dayang Nurfaizah and Siti Nurhaliza in albums of children's songs.^[20]

Lyrics

There are many variations in the lyrics found in Indonesia and Malaysia, a version recorded by singers such as Pete Seeger and Miriam Makeba is as follows:^[13]

Indonesian Suliram, Suliram, ram, ram Suliram yang manis Aduhai indung seorang Bijaklah sana dipandang manis Tinggilah tinggi si matahari Suliram, anaklah kerbau mati tertambat Suliram, sudah lamalah saya mencari Baru sekarang saya mendapat

English Suliram, Suliram, ram, ram Suliram, who is so sweet Oh, whose child is this So right to look so sweet High, oh, high is the Sun Suliram, the tethered calf of the buffalo has died Suliram, long have I sought for you But it's only now that I have you

Some versions popular in Indonesia are variants of the following:^[21]

Indonesian Soleram, Soleram Soleram, anak yang manis Anak manis janganlah dicium sayang Kalau dicium merahlah pipinya Satu, dua, Tiga dan empat Lima, enam, tujuh delapan Kalau tuan dapat kawan baru sayang Kawan lama ditinggalkan jangan

English Soleram, Soleram Soleram, a child so sweet Do not kiss, dear sweet child If kissed, red will be the cheeks One, two, three and four Five, six, seven and eight Should you find a new friend, my dear Abandon not your old friends

See also

• Music portal
• Indonesia portal

• Indonesian culture
• Indonesian music
• List of Indonesian folk songs
• Chan Mali Chan
• Rasa Sayang