Sitsiritsit


Sitsiritsit, also known as Sitsiritsit Alibangbang, is a Filipino folk song. This humorous song describes a flirtatious woman threatening a storeowner that the ants are going to get him if he is not going to extend credit, as well as unusual situations of exchanging a child for a doll or bagoong. It is said to have originated during the country's Spanish colonization, as its lyrics suggest the ordinary life during that time. The melody of the song is about the same as Fly Fly the Butterfly.

Lyrics


Sitsiritsit, alibangbang

Salaginto, salagubang.

Ang babae sa lansangan

Kung gumiri'y parang tandang.

Santo Niño sa Pandacan

Puto seco sa tindahan

Kung ayaw kang magpautang

Uubusin ka ng langgam.

Mama, mama namamangka

Pasakayin yaring bata

Pagdating sa Maynila

Ipagpalit sa manika

Ale, aleng namamayong,

Pasukubin yaring sanggol

Pagdating sa Malabon,

Ipagpalit sa bagoong.

English Translation


Cicada, Butterfly

Jeweled beetle, beetle

A woman on the street,

Sways her hips like a rooster.



Child Jesus of Pandacan,

Dry pastry on the store.

If you are not giving credits,

The ants will eat all your goodies.



Mister, Mister, rowing a boat,

Please take this child for a ride.

Once you reach Manila,

Trade the child for a doll.



Miss, Miss, holding an umbrella,

Please take this baby.

Once you reach Malabon,

Trade the baby for shrimp paste

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