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.
Contents
Lyrics
Sitsiritsit, alibangbang
Salaginto't salagubang.
Ang babae sa lansangan,
Kung gumirì’y parang tandang.
Santo Niño sa Pandacan
puto seco sa tindahan
Kung ayaw kang magpautang
Uubusin ka ng langgam.
Mamà, mamàng namamangkà
Pasakayin yaring batà
Pagdating sa Maynilà
Ipagpalit sa manikà
Ale, aleng namamayong,
Pasukubin yaring sanggol
Pagdating sa Malabon,
Ipagpalit sa bagoong.
Rough translation
Sitsiritsit, Alibangbang
Black, golden beetles
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
Sitsiritsit, Alibangbang
Black, golden beetles
A woman on the street,
Sways her hips like a rooster.