Nona Nona Zaman Sekarang

Today's Malay folk song can be downloaded here. The word "Nona" means young lady. The song seems to be about how bold young ladies have become these days compared to earlier times. This song was composed by Singaporean, Yusof B., in the late 1940s.  Please feel free to leave a comment or suggestion. Thank you and God Bless!


Lyrics by Yusof B.
Nona-nona jaman sekarang
tak boleh ditegur,
tak boleh dilarang
bajunya pendek,
bertambahlah jarang
itu menjadi hati gembira

First Verse:
nona jangan bikin keliru
tidakla kenal cina melayu
pipinya merah pula disapu
sekarang sudah jadi tak tentu .

Second Verse:
dalam dunia banyak musuhan
yang non dibuat perkara yang sopan
dalam dunia banyak penggoda
banyak yang jadi rusak binasa

Literal Translation
About the ladies of today's generation:
Don't comment
Nor forbid them.
Their blouses are short
And more transparent
That make hearts flutter
(Make hearts happy).

First Verse:
Ladies don't confuse us
Unrecognizable if chinese or malay
Cheeks are red and painted too
Causing much bewilderment.

Second Verse:
In this world of aggression
Ladies, be more careful
Or be teased, bothered
And fall into disrepute.