Discover the English translation, basic chords, and the profound romantic philosophy behind Alusi Au, the legendary Batak folk song by Nahum Situmorang.
Table of Contents
The Definitive Guide: Diving into the Uncut Lyrics of Alusi Au
As we navigate through the year 2026, where modern music is often tailored to short, fast-paced commercial formats, many singers perform Alusi Au in a condensed version. However, the full lyrics you are about to read are a true literary “treasure.” This is the uncut, comprehensive, and pure manuscript composed by the maestro himself. In these complete verses, the protagonist does not just talk about wealth and status; he expresses his ultimate vulnerability. He begs not to be mocked for his seemingly naive ambition: desiring only true love above all worldly success. Peeling back the layers of these uncut lyrics is like reading a classic romance novel from the shores of Lake Toba.
History & Deciphering the Lyrics (Visible Reasoning)
As a cultural researcher, I deeply appreciate the uncut version of the lyrics. The version of Alusi Au that frequently circulates on the internet or karaoke platforms usually cuts out the middle verses. However, this extended text is the complete narrative manuscript created by Nahum Situmorang.
Let us dissect the philosophical differences (Visible Reasoning): In the popular shortened version, the song simply mentions the Batak life goals of Hamoraon, Hagabeon, Hasangapon (Wealth, Descendants, Honor). But in this complete version, Nahum Situmorang adds the line, “Di nadeba asalma tarbarita goarna tahe” (For others, as long as their name becomes famous/renowned). This showcases his incredibly sharp social observation of human ambition.
Diving deeper into the second stanza of this uncut version, we find the lyric: “Mansai ambal pe unang pola manginsak hamu tahe diau” (Even if it sounds foolish/awkward, please do not mock me). Here lies the ultimate vulnerability of a Batak man. He realizes that in a society that glorifies material success, choosing love as the primary goal might be considered ridiculous or naive. Yet, he remains steadfast, pleading for an answer from his beloved (“Beha roham dok ma hatam Alusiau”).
Complete Lyrics & English Translation
Below is the full arrangement of the lyrics, presented with proper Batak Toba spelling alongside a literal English translation so that its literary essence is not lost in translation.
Maragam-ragam do anggo sitta-sitta di hita manisia
Various are the aspirations among us human beings
Marasing-asing do anggo pangidoan diganup-ganup jolma
Different are the desires in every single person
Hamoraon hagabeon hasangapon ido dilului nadeba
Wealth, descendants, and honor, those are what some people seek
Di nadeba asalma tarbarita goarna tahe
For some others, as long as their name becomes famous
Anggo diau tung asing do sitta-sitta asing pangidoanku
As for me, my aspirations and desires are truly different
Mansai ambal pe unang pola manginsak hamu tahe diau
Even if it seems foolish, please do not mock me
Sasudena na hugoari indada i saut di au
Everything that I mentioned above, those are not my goals
Sitta-sitta diau tung asing situtu do tahe
My aspirations are truly very different
Tung holong ni roham i sambing do na huparsitta-sitta
It is only your love and affection that I aspire for
Tung denggan ni basam-basami do na hupaima-ima
It is only the kindness of your heart that I constantly wait for
Asi ni rohamma ito unang loas au maila
Have mercy on me, my girl, do not let me bear the shame
Beha roham dok ma hatam Alusiau
How do you feel? Say a word, Answer me
(Outro)
Alusi au...
Answer me...
Alusi au...
Answer me...
Alusi au...
Answer me...
Alusi au...
Answer me...Musical Guide & Basic Chords (Musicianship)
Singing this complete version requires good breath control because the lyrics are dense (structured like a narrative poem). The time signature remains at 4/4 with a Moderato tempo.
Here is the basic guitar chord guide in the key of G Major (G = Do) to accompany this extended lyrical version:
[Verse 1]
G
Maragam-ragam do anggo sitta-sitta di hita manisia
G D
Marasing-asing do anggo pangidoan diganup-ganup jolma
C G
Hamoraon hagabeon hasangapon ido dilului nadeba
D G
Di nadeba asalma tarbarita goarna tahe
[Verse 2]
G
Anggo diau tung asing do sitta-sitta asing pangidoanku
G D
Mansai ambal pe unang pola manginsak hamu tahe diau
C G
Sasudena na hugoari indada i saut di au
D G
Sitta-sitta diau tung asing situtu do tahe
[Verse 3]
G
Tung holong ni roham i sambing do na huparsitta-sitta
G D
Tung denggan ni basam-basami do na hupaima-ima
C G
Asi ni rohamma ito unang loas au maila
D G
Beha roham dok ma hatam Alusiau
[Outro]
D G
Alusi au...
D G
Alusi au...
D G
Alusi au...
D G
Alusi au...Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Why are the lyrics of Alusi Au usually sung differently from this version?
The version you see above is the original, narrative-style literary manuscript by Nahum Situmorang. In the regional pop music industry (especially during cassette recordings in the 70s and 80s), producers often condensed the song into two core stanzas to make it easier to memorize and to fit standard radio durations.
2. What does the line “Mansai ambal pe unang pola manginsak hamu” mean?
This is a highly poetic line. It means, “Even if this (my goal) sounds foolish or awkward, please do not mock me.” It shows the protagonist is aware that prioritizing love over wealth or power was highly unconventional in the eyes of society at that time.
3. Who is the poet behind these beautiful lyrics?
Nahum Situmorang (often called Guru Nahum), a Batak musical maestro born in 1908. He was a composer who not only created melodies but was also a poet who brilliantly captured the social portraits of the Batak Toba community during his era.
Conclusion & Recommendations
Enjoying Alusi Au through its complete lyrics provides us with a valuable lesson: vulnerability is not a weakness. Behind the strong stature and loud voices often associated with the Batak people, Nahum Situmorang bequeathed a ballad about a man’s courage to strip away social prestige to fight for pure love. Keep singing this uncut version so its literary value does not fade with time.
References:
- Ethnomusicology Journal of Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU). “Kajian Semiotika dan Nilai Budaya dalam Lagu-Lagu Karya Nahum Situmorang”.
- Batak Toba Traditional Music Lyrics Archive: “Kumpulan Naskah Karya Nahum Situmorang”.
- Cultural Value Preservation Center (BPNB) of Aceh-North Sumatra. Research on Oral Literature and Batak Toba Folklore.
