Title: Madlala – Grandfather Song from The Kaurna Songbook: Yurikurringa Ngadluku Paltirna
Artist: Original lyrics from Pakanu by Ruby Hammond and Rob Amery
Original Music by Ruby Hammond
Recording artists, production and arrangement: Jaylon Pila Newchurch, Basso Edwards, Katie Aspel, Tilly Tjala Thomas, Rob Amery, Grayson Rotumah, Paolo Guttilla, Hannah Yates, Elisha Umuhuri at CASM studio
Language: Kaurna and English
Lyrics
V.1) Madlala, Madlala, Ngaini wangka
Warra wilta, Pukiunungku.
Ngana ngaityu pirku? Parna waathangku?
Madlala, Madlala, Ngana ngai nari?
V.2) Grandfather, Grandfather won’t you tell me
Stories of our land that you can teach me.
Who are my people, and from where they came?
Grandfather, Grandfather what is my name?
V.3) Tamamu, Tamamu, Ngaini wangka
Warra wilta, Pukiunungku.
Ngana ngaityu pirku? Parna waathangku?
Tamamu, Tamamu, Ngana ngai nari?
V.4) Grandfather, Grandfather won’t you tell me
Stories of our land that you can teach me.
Who are my people, and from where they came?
Grandfather, Grandfather what is my name?
Song Background
Madlala is a song where a child asks their grandfather to share stories about their family and their ancestors. It was first created in the early 1990s. It’s a way for children to learn about their history, culture, and identity. The song highlights how important it is for grandparents to pass on cultural knowledge and wisdom to the younger generation. This song is for kids who are starting to understand more about their heritage and family history. It’s about learning from elders and asking questions to understand who you are and where you come from.