Most of his songs are written in Javanese, with a few sentences in Indonesian. He revealed that his musical style is influenced by Didi Kempot, with pop nuances and kendhang influences in his instruments. Apart from singing and composing songs, Denny has also been involved in the production of the Javanese-language film series Balada Kampung Riwil which is aired regularly on the Youtube channel.
Joko Tingkir
Denny Caknan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Jo dipikir, marai mumet
Ngopek jamur nggone Mbah Wage
Pantang mundur, terus nyambut gawe
Pantang mundur, terus nyambut gawe
Ning Kediri tuku ketan
Iki crito anak rantauan
Golek duit kanggo masa depan
Golek duit kanggo masa depan
Rokok klobot ning ngisor wit mlinjo
Paling abot ninggal anak-bojo
Tuku donat ning Kalimantan
Tetep s'mangat kanggo masa depan
Tetep s'mangat kanggo masa depan
In the song "Joko Tingkir" by Denny Caknan, the lyrics depict a story of perseverance and determination towards a better future. The singer, Joko Tingkir, is portrayed as someone who is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve success, even if it means facing challenges and making sacrifices along the way.
The first verse talks about Joko Tingkir drinking dawet, a traditional Indonesian beverage, while feeling overwhelmed by his thoughts. This could represent the mental strain and exhaustion that he experiences due to his ambitions. Despite this, he looks up to Mbah Wage, a legendary figure known for his hard work, and adopts the principle of never giving up and always seizing opportunities.
The second verse takes us to Kediri, a city in East Java, where Joko Tingkir buys ketan, a type of sticky rice. The lyrics reveal that Joko Tingkir is a wanderer or someone who travels far from his hometown. He faces the intense heat of Lombok chili, symbolizing the challenges he encounters in life. However, he remains focused on finding money for his future, emphasizing his determination to secure a better life.
In the third verse, the reference to rokok klobot, a type of traditional Indonesian cigarette, indicates that Joko Tingkir lives a simple and modest life. The lyrics suggest that Joko Tingkir prioritizes his own needs and future over maintaining relationships, as he ends up leaving his loved ones behind. Additionally, the mention of buying donuts in Kalimantan signifies that he continues to work hard and remain enthusiastic about building a prosperous future.
Overall, the lyrics of "Joko Tingkir" convey the message of resilience, hard work, and sacrifice in pursuit of a brighter future. It highlights the determination of a character who faces challenges and makes choices that may not always be easy or popular but are driven by the desire for a better life. Through this song, Denny Caknan encourages listeners to stay motivated and never give up on their dreams, regardless of the obstacles they may encounter along the way.
Line by Line Meaning
Joko Tingkir ngombe dawet
Joko Tingkir drinks dawet (a traditional Javanese drink)
Jo dipikir, marai mumet
If he thinks too much, he'll get a headache
Ngopek jamur nggone Mbah Wage
Searching for mushrooms with Mbah Wage
Pantang mundur, terus nyambut gawe
No retreat, always embracing work
Ning Kediri tuku ketan
In Kediri, buying ketan (glutinous rice)
Iki crito anak rantauan
This is a story of someone living far from home
Lombok rawit, pedes tenan
Lombok chili, really spicy
Golek duit kanggo masa depan
Searching for money for the future
Rokok klobot ning ngisor wit mlinjo
Crumpled cigarette butt at the bottom with skins
Paling abot ninggal anak-bojo
Leaving behind children and wife
Tuku donat ning Kalimantan
Buying donuts in Kalimantan
Tetep s'mangat kanggo masa depan
Always motivated for the future
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: NN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind