Ayam Den Lapeh
Ismail Haron Lyrics

The song Ayam Den Lapeh by Ismail Haron is a traditional Minangkabau folk song from West Sumatra, Indonesia. The lyrics describe various paths and landmarks around the region, such as the Payo Kumbuh road and Kabiyaro street, and the singer expresses a sense of homesickness and longing for the area. "Ayam den lapeh" is a Minangkabau phrase that translates to "my chicken is starving", which is used as a metaphor for the singer's own hunger and longing for home.

The first stanza refers to the Payo Kumbuh road, which is known for its winding and difficult terrain, and the jati wood road, which is a long and straight path. The singer says that their heart will not be bribed or swayed, and that they are longing for home. The chorus repeats the phrase "ayam den lapeh" multiple times, expressing the singer's hunger and desire.

The second stanza mentions the Padang Sikek road and the Kabiyaro street, and the singer says that their heart cannot bear to be empty. They also mention "awak tak kecoh", which means "I'm not making a fuss", indicating a sense of stoicism and resilience. The chorus repeats again with its signature phrase.

The third stanza uses the Minangkabau word "sikur", which translates to "whether", and uses it to express uncertainty and longing. The singer mentions the "karimbo", which is a type of song and dance among the Minangkabau people. The stanza ends with "lamalang juo", which is an expression of yearning and missing something deeply.

The final stanza mentions the Pagar Ruyung region and the Batu Sangkar rock formations, and the singer says that the streets are filled with people speaking the local Baso language. They also mention sitting in the Tamanuang field and watching the evening sunset. The song ends with the chorus repeating "ayam den lapeh" several times, conveying the depth of the singer's longing for home.