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.
Rubah
Iwan Fals Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Orang berubah tingkah laku tak berubah
Wajah berubah kok menjadi lebih susah
Manusia berubah berubah - rubah
Gandhi yang dicari yang ada komedi
Revolusi dinanti yang datang Azahari
Lembaga berdiri berselimut korupsi
Pendidikan adalah anak tiri yang kesepian
Agama sebagai topeng yang menjijikkan
Kemiskinan merajalela yang kaya makin rakus saja
Hukum dan kesehatan diperjual belikan
Kesaksian tergusur oleh kepentingan ngawur
Pemerintah keasyikan berpolitik (ngawur)
Partai politik sibuk menuhankan uang (ngawur)
Ada rakyat yang lapar makan daun dan arang
Televisi sibuk mencari iklan
Sementara banyak yang tunggu giliran
Rakyat dan sang jelata menatap dengan mata kosong
Dimana aku apa ditelan tsunami?
In the song Rubah, Iwan Fals highlights the changes that have occurred in society over time. He observes that while everything around us changes, human behavior remains the same. People change their faces, their ways of thinking, but the inherent nature of man remains the same. The lyrics highlight the dichotomy in society where the search for a leader like Gandhi, who represented peace and harmony, is replaced by comedy. While revolution is awaited, the leadership and institutions that surround it are shrouded in corruption. A sense of powerlessness is created as those in power use their authority to protect themselves rather than serve those they represent.
The song talks about how education is undervalued, marginalized, and left to fend for itself, while religion is used as a grotesque mask to deceive and hide atrocities committed in the name of tradition. The rich grow richer, while poverty rages on, and basic human rights like healthcare and justice are sold off to the highest bidders. Political parties prioritize money over service, and the people are left hungry and neglected. The only way to escape the harsh reality is through television, which in turn bombards people with advertisements, leaving them with nothing to do but wait hopelessly. In the end, Fals questions his own existence, wondering if he too will be swept away by the metaphorical tsunami that is society.
Line by Line Meaning
Jaman berubah perilaku tak berubah
The times may change, but people's behavior remains the same
Orang berubah tingkah laku tak berubah
People may change, but their actions remain the same
Wajah berubah kok menjadi lebih susah
As people age, life becomes more difficult
Manusia berubah berubah - rubah
People are constantly changing and adapting like a fox
Gandhi yang dicari yang ada komedi
The search for a great leader is often a joke
Revolusi dinanti yang datang Azahari
Revolution may be desired, but it may bring unexpected consequences
Lembaga berdiri berselimut korupsi
Institutions may be corrupt even though they appear legitimate
Wibawa menjadi alat melindungi diri
Authority can be used to protect oneself rather than help others
Pendidikan adalah anak tiri yang kesepian
Education is often neglected and left alone
Agama sebagai topeng yang menjijikkan
Religion can be used as a mask to hide unsavory behavior
Kemiskinan merajalela yang kaya makin rakus saja
Poverty is becoming more widespread as the wealthy become more greedy
Hukum dan kesehatan diperjual belikan
Law and health are being sold for profit
Kesaksian tergusur oleh kepentingan ngawur
Evidence may be pushed aside due to nonsensical interests
Pemerintah keasyikan berpolitik (ngawur)
The government is too focused on politics that don't make sense
Partai politik sibuk menuhankan uang (ngawur)
Political parties are too concerned with money rather than serving the people
Ada rakyat yang lapar makan daun dan arang
There are people who are so hungry that they have to eat leaves and coal
Televisi sibuk mencari iklan
TV is too focused on searching for advertisements
Sementara banyak yang tunggu giliran
Meanwhile, many are waiting for their turn
Rakyat dan sang jelata menatap dengan mata kosong
The people and the poor are looking blankly
Dimana aku apa ditelan tsunami?
Where am I? Am I swallowed by the tsunami?
Contributed by Caleb M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Mr.B4T0X ONYM
Paling suka lagu ini 😊
Sehat t'rus bang Iwan❤
J.E_GUEVARA™
Pendidikan adalah anak tiri yang kesepian
Agama sebagai topeng yang menjijikkan
Kemiskinan merajalela
Yang kaya makin rakus saja
Hukum dan kesehatan diperjualbelikan
kutipan lirik lagu - rubah (iwan fals)
Fikar Gumay
Gile lemak nn dengau e lagu iwan fals ni
Isak di kecik enguk besak maseh nganingi lagu iwan fals
Sehat trus bang
Yogi Hardiyanto
Seandainya ini lagu keluar pada di era nya CORONA PASTI MELEDAKKKKKKK . Sehat Sehat Ya Om Iwan
BangAriChannel
Lagu yang sampai kapan pun update di negri ini..gambaran dan situasinya memang seperti ini.
Shohibi Bastomi
Manusia memang berubah dan merusak tapi sebagian besar tidak menyadari sebagian kecil berpegang dengan hati nurani. Bang iwan membantu menyadarkan agar berpegang pada hati nurani
Ahmad Baidawi
Ini...lagu realita dan sindiran...tapi yang disindir gak pernah berubah😁
Menda Wijaya
Musikalitas yang berkelas bgd plus lirik lagi yang ciamik, kerenn bgd emang ini sih.
Aprili yanti
Massya ALLOH.... Mantap tak tertandingi Oi Banten
DENYSA ZEA
lagu lama. tpi tercambukan lagu ini di tahun 2020 😭