Guek Kng Kng, Siew Chye Long

(Version in Hokkien)

Guek Kng Kng, Siew Chye Long

Khia Peh Beh, Koay Lam Tong

Lam Tong Buey Tit Koay

Liak Neow Lai Chiap Hoay

Chiap Hoay Chiap Beh Tio

Gia Tek Koe Long Lar Heoh

Lar Heoh Khok Khok Puay

Gia Tek Ko Long Teh Uay

Teh Uay Chiang Chiang Koon

Nor Leh Gin Nar Thow Oar Soon

Oar Kooi Ki

Oar Nor Ki

Chi Ki Sang Hor Siew Chye

Siew Chye Kiar Beh Long Long Lai

Eam Kong Kay Liak Lai Thai

Siew Chye Chiak Liow Lak Eh Hai

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(Version in English)

The moon is bright

A male scholar

Rode on a white horse to cross the Southern pond

The Southern pond is not accessible

Catch a cat to collect the goods

But the goods somehow did not arrive

Held onto a bamboo stick to poke at the eagle

And so flew the eagle

Held onto a bamboo stick to poke at the teapot

And the teapot boiled to its brim

Two children were seen stealing some radishes

How many did they steal?

They stole two radishes

One which is given as a gift to the scholar

The scholar clumsily rode on a horse

To slaughter a castrated old chicken

But after eating the cooked chicken, the scholar suffered a lock jaw!

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About this ditty:~

This Hokkien Ditty centers around a “siew chye” or “scholar” in English.  As usual, this ditty rhymes in that lingo but besides that, there is a certain absurdity that makes this ditty puzzling and ended with humor.

The author/owner has compiled for record, a collection of early Hokkien sayings, proverbs, rhymes and ditties to capture the essence and spirit of his hoi polloi, a community originating from the southern province of Fujian, China where individuals climbed aboard bum boats, crossing the South China Sea to settle in faraway lands to escape the brewing civil unrest and a way out from hardship carrying along with them in their journey, nothing except their trademark ponytails and their beliefs, very much rooted in Confucianism. These ditties retell their story and their lifestyle way back then so that the younger generation can gain an insight and foothold to their origin..

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