I learned this Indonesian song years ago from my friend and incredible vocalist Peni Candra Rini. It is a magical song about a butterfly that slips away. The sound of the vibes, played beautifully by percussionist David Cossin, whisks me away to the shores of a lake at dawn, where we watch the world come alive with patience and love. 

Lyrics

Traditional, English verses by Elena Moon Park

(download)

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Every morn, when we wake

we'll walk through the woods, to the lake

the sunlight it shines

nighttime it fades

1, 2, 3, count the waves

butterflies slip away...

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Kupu kuwi tak incupe 

Mung abure ngewuhake 

Ngalor – ngidul, ngetan bali ngulon 

Mrono – mrene mung saparan-paran 

Mbok yo ojo mencok 

Tak incupe  

Mentas mencok clegrok 

Banjur mabur kleper

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The moon waves goodbye

The world comes alive

1, 2, 3 count the waves

Wandering through the days

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Kupu kuwi tak incupe 

Mung abure ngewuhake 

Ngalor – ngidul, ngetan bali ngulon 

Mrono – mrene mung saparan-paran 

Mbok yo ojo mencok 

Tak incupe  

Mentas mencok clegrok 

Banjur mabur kleper

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(Loose translation)

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That butterfly,

i try to catch you,

but your flight alludes me

 north, south, east and west

here, there and in all directions

if you stop, i can reach you

stop over the flowers,

and fly away again.

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