Iwan Fals, born Virgiawan Listanto on 3 September 1961 in Jakarta, is a cha… Read Full Bio ↴Iwan Fals, born Virgiawan Listanto on 3 September 1961 in Jakarta, is a charismatic Indonesian singer/songwriter and remembered as Indonesia's the most dangerous singer on the '80s and '90s.

He was popular for his gritty-witty ballads accentuated on life of Indonesia's marginalized groups or political satire on the troubled Indonesian social/political scene under Soeharto. His socially aware hit-songs including: "Oemar Bakri" tells about teacher, "Lonteku" is a love story between a criminal and a prostitute, and "Wakil Rakyat" is about members of parliament.

After Reformasi movement on 1997 which leads to democratisation he was a kind of losing the edge for political satire, but his mature musical experience keeps him on Indonesian pop chart with inward-looking songs and songs about personal relationships.

16 Juli 1996
Iwan Fals Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Kukenal kamu dari jauh
Tergetar hati melihatmu

Matamu bening
Suaramu bening
Semangatmu hening

Wajahmu lembut

Senyummu lembut
Rambutmu lepas tergerai

Terasa sejuk mengenalmu
Merdeka aku dibuaimu

Jalan yang panjang
Sebatas pandang
Kau tempuh tanpa mengeluh

Tangan terkepal
Berangkatlah kapal
Menuju dermaga sepi

Kunyanyikan hanya untukmu
Puja puji ini karena rindu
Air mata terlanjur tumpah
Membasahi tanah menjadi darah

Dipayungi mega kelabu

Aku tak peduli
Apa yang terjadi
Jangan kau pergi dariku

Akan kutemani
Ke dermaga sepi
Membelai ombak yang biru

Kau bangkitkan aku
Kupanggil kau selalu
Bertahanlah dalam gelombang

Kau buka mataku
Kau sadarkan aku
Janganlah bosan

Kunyanyikan hanya untukmu
Puja puji ini karena rindu
Air mata terlanjur tumpah
Membasahi tanah menjadi darah

Dipayungi mega kelabu

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Iwan Fals's song "16 Juli 1996" comprise a romantic and contemplative ode that captures the singer's awe towards a woman whom he has observed from afar. The first verse describes the physical attributes that caught the singer's attention, specifically her clear eyes, voice, and gentle demeanor, which leads to him feeling pulled towards and soothed by her presence. The second verse speaks of the woman's resilience in the face of hardships, as she embarks on a journey alone without complaint, yet the singer still yearns to accompany her on this journey. The chorus details the singer's pledge to remain by her side and to always be a source of support, urging her to weather any storm that may come their way.

The lyrics then move to a more somber tone, as the singer sings about his despair and heartbreak. The woman's departured has caused him to shed tears that become metaphorically linked with blood, symbolizing how deeply her absence has affected him. Despite feeling overwhelmed by sadness, the singer expresses his determination to not let her go and to fight for their relationship, even when surrounded by the metaphorical gray storm clouds.

Overall, the song beautifully paints a picture of longing, devotion, and determination, all woven together with Iwan Fals's signature musical style.

Line by Line Meaning

Kukenal kamu dari jauh
I recognized you from a distance

Tergetar hati melihatmu
I was deeply moved when I saw you

Matamu bening
Your eyes are clear

Suaramu bening
Your voice is clear

Semangatmu hening
Your spirit is quiet

Wajahmu lembut
Your face is gentle

Senyummu lembut
Your smile is gentle

Rambutmu lepas tergerai
Your hair falls freely

Terasa sejuk mengenalmu
It feels cool to meet you

Merdeka aku dibuaimu
I feel free when I'm with you