"Chan Mali Chan" is a folk song popular in Malaysia and Singapore.[1][2] The song is a light-hearted song that may have its origin in a Malay poem pantun.[3] In Indonesia there are songs that have similar tones such as "Anak Kambing Saya" ("My Lamb" or "My Baby Goat") has been written by Saridjah Niung.[4][5][6] It is commonly sung as a children's song.[7][8]
There are different versions of "Chan Mali Chan", a common version that starts with talking about looking for a lamb/kid interpreted as parents looking for their children, and that it's about the togetherness and bond between children and their parents.[9] Others suggest it is a flirtatious love song.[2][3] A version was sung in the 1960 Singapore black-white film, Isi Neraka.[10]
There are many variations in the lyrics found in Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore.[8][11] This song may be presented in a question and answer format; the first line asks: "Where is my lamb", and the second line answers where the lamb is (different versions of the song may have different answers). Other questions may follow, such as "Where is my darling/baby", etc., followed by answers to these questions.
A common version found in Malaysia and Singapore:
Di mana dia anak kambing saya? |
Where is he, my little lamb? |
(The verses may be repeated with the same or different questions and answers.)
