The following pantun sequence is taken from Low Kim Chuan, “Dondang Sayang in Melaka” (B.A. Hons. thesis, Monash University, 1976), pp. 61–64.

Singers: Chik Mohammad Amin and Baba Chia Kim Teck. Performed for RTM, Malacca, 1974. 12 minutes, 3.7 seconds. Tempo = 80 (Low gives the tempo as 160). Based on Low's transcription and translation.

Sources for corrections: Low, first pantun from recordings accompanying thesis; Gwee Peng Kwee, William Tan, Malim Osman; Betty Molesworth Allen, Common Malaysian Fruits (Kuala Lumpur: Longman, 1975); Atlas Kebangsaan Malaysia [AKM] (Kuala Lumpur: Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka, 1977); H.F. Chin and H.S. Yong, Malaysian Fruits in Colour (Kuala Lumpur: Tropical Press, 1980); A.G. Glenister, The Birds of the Malay Peninsula, Singapore & Penang (Kuala Lumpur: Oxford University Press, 1971); Horridge, The Prahu: Traditional Sailing Boat of Indonesia (Kuala Lumpur: Oxford University Press, 1981); Kamus Dewan [KD] (Kuala Lumpur: Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka, 1970); Mohd. Rakawi bin Yusuf, Melati Sarawak, 2nd. ed. (Kuala Lumpur: Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka, 1980); Scholiast on Low's thesis [Sc.]; Bertram E. Smythies, The Birds of Borneo (Edinburgh: Oliver and Boyd, 1960); and Wilkinson and Winstedt [WW], Pantun Melayu (Singapore: Malaya Publishing House, 1961 [1914]).

Poem 1

Chik Mohammad Amin:

A. Sayang Cik (ng)Ali anak Cik Gaud,

B. Hutang yang banyak tidak terbayar,

C. Sayang Cik (ng)Ali anak Cik Gaud;

D. Gelombang besar di tengah laut, ah lah dendang

E. Perahu kechil berlayar bolehkah berlayar?

(Interjection by Baba Chia Kim Teck) Boleh.

F. Gelombang besar di tengah laut, ah lah kawan

G. Perahu kechil berlayar boleh berlayar?

Poor Ali, Daud's son,

For great debts, paying's impossible,

Poor Ali, Daud's son;

Great breakers in mid-sea,

With a small boat is sailing possible?

(Interjection by Baba Chia Kim Teck) It's possible.

Great breakers in mid-sea,

With a small boat is sailing possible?