Butterfly from the field

English Translation

Paru-parong Bukid

Traditional Filipino folk song

I just saw a butterfly,

flitting and floating by;

waiting by the main trail,

fluttering in the air.

Sari wrapped around her,

sleeves as wide as my palm,

Skirt’s a trifle oversized,

ends dragging on the ground.

-

Her hair held with a pin

Oh!

Her hand twirling a comb

Oh!

Decorated half-slip,

drawing others to peep.

Then she faces the stage,

ogling her own image,

She would come and tease us,

hips swaying like a duck.

Paru-parong bukid

na lilipad-lipad

Sa tabi ng daan

papaga-pagaspas

Isang bara ang tapis

Isang dangkal ang manggas

Ang sayang de kola

Isang piyesa ang sayad.

-

May payneta pa siya

Uy!

May suklay pa mandin

Uy!

Naguas de ojetes

ang palalabasin

Haharap sa altar

at mananalamin

At saka lalakad

nang pakendeng-kendeng