Titi Chow, Titi How
Tui Lai Chit Chiak Tua Long Kow
.
Titi Kong, Titi Song
Kong Ka Jip Lo Long
.
Titi Boot, Titi Hoot
Hoot Ka Tharng Jip Koot
.
Titi Ow, Titi Lau
Lau Ka Jamban Knia Bay Kau
.
Titi Lian, Titi Sian
Sit Pai Chiak Kay Kian
.
Titi Kong, Titi Lorng
Lorng Ka Tata Lang Bay Torng
.
Titi Chiak, Titi Piak
Tien Tien Khi Lorng Piak
.
Titi Puak, Titi Uak
Puak Ka Choon Kachuak
.
Titi Hiam, Titi Liam
Chooi Gatai Tua Bay Tiam
.
Titi Kar, Titi Meh
Ar Si Siang Aneh
.
Titi Au, Titi Chau
Kui Jit Ka Lang Tau
.
Titi Lai, Titi Phnai
Bay Keh Khi Thiow Hai
.
Titi Thak, Titi To
Ow Lai Chiak Sian Thoe
.
Titi Sio, Titi Ouar
Khi Kow Bo Hami Khnua
.
Titi Ang, Titi Phang
Choot Mniar Kim Tang Tang
.
(Version in English)
Carry on running, carry on crying
Cry till the Alsatian chases after you
.
Carry on cursing, seems you are enjoying
Let the news spread into some unknown lane
.
Carry on beating, carry on bashing
And bash till the injury afflict the bones
.
Carry on vomiting, carry on purging
That way you won’t make it to the toilet
.
Carry on training, soon you’d get bored
And when you fail, have a bowl of chicken liver
.
Carry on knocking, carry on banging
Bang till others loses their patience over you
.
Carry on eating, carry on gossiping
And wobble till your head knocks the wall
.
Carry on gambling, that will keep you alert
And gamble till you are left with nothing but cockroaches
.
Carry on criticizing, carry on complaining
Since your mouth is itchy and can’t stop cursing
.
Carry on teaching, carry on scolding
Still it will make no difference
.
Carry on frowning, carry on scowling
Whole day telling others about the untruths
.
As time passes by, carry on going from bad to worse
And if you don’t change, better jump into the sea
.
Carry on studying, carry on rolling
And your future will be rewarded with nectarines
.
Carry on procrastinating, carry on delaying
When you arrive, there is nothing left to see
.
Carry on being popular and brilliant
And you’d be really famous with gold as your reward.
.
About this Rhyme:~
This is a funny Hokkien Rhyme. The word “titi” could be interpreted as “carry on”, “keep on” or “the more you” depending on the situation and so this rhyme could be used either as an advisory or in a spiteful provocative way. This 15 stanza rhyme could be recited singly or collectively in a class.
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 proverbs and sayings has always been a guide and lesson to the many who has never been to school so as to help them steer well in the river of life and in a way, it seeks to retell their lifestyle way back then so that the younger generation can gain an insight and foothold to their origin..
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