Chan Mali Chan


"Chan Mali Chan" is a folk song popular in Malaysia and Singapore. The song is a light-hearted song that may have its origin in a Malay poem pantun. In Indonesia, there are songs that have similar tones such as "Anak [Kambing Saya]" written by Saridjah Niung. It is commonly sung as a children's song.
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. Others suggest it is a flirtatious love song. A version was sung in the 1960 Singapore black-white film, Isi Neraka.

Lyrics

There are many variations in the lyrics found in Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. 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. Other questions may follow, such as "Where is my darling/baby", etc., followed by answers to these questions.

Version in Malaysia and Singapore

A common version found in Malaysia and Singapore: