Navicula was formed in 1996 in Bali, Indonesia by two musician activists: R… Read Full Bio ↴Navicula was formed in 1996 in Bali, Indonesia by two musician activists: Robi and Dankie. After changing personnel numerous times, the current formation is: Robi (vocals, guitar), Dankie (guitar), Made (bass), and Gembull (drums). The name Navicula was inspired by a type of single celled golden algae, which is shaped like a small ship (in Latin Navicula means small ship). Their music has a grunge rock undertone, but is combined with many other genres of sound, such as ethnic, folk, psychedelic, punk, alternative, funk, blues, and straightforward rock. The band’s lyrics are heavy with activism messages of Peace, Love and Freedom.

Though the band has always been active in the indie music scene, in 2004 they signed a contract with Sony-BMG, a major label. Navicula released their 4th album, Alkemis, with Sony-BMG. But, in 2007 they released their 5th album, Beautiful Rebel, independently and returned to following their ideals through the indie music scene. In 2009 Navicula released a 6th album “Salto”, and they are now working on their 7th full-length studio album (release date still to be announced). Navicula is based in Bali, but continue to keep up a national profile.

Navicula’s music is strongly influenced by alternative 90’s rock, especially grunge rock/Seattle sound, through bands such as Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains, and Nirvana. But what makes their music so unique is their condition of beginning in the melting pot of modern Bali and having the opportunity to mold their creativity out of contrasts so extreme. From the spiritual mountains of Bali’s ancient kingdoms, to passion driven international artists who have come to find inspiration in Bali, and the raw punk rockers of down-town Kuta, this band finds their own taste through it all, the taste of ‘golden green grunge’, the taste of Navicula.

Navicula “the Green Grunge Gentlemen”
Navicula are known as “the Green Grunge Gentlemen”. Since the formation of the band back in the 90’s, environmental and social issues have been a consistent theme in Navicula’s music. Living in Bali, the band often finds inspiration in nature, and seeing the environmental changes happening in Bali and the world, this inspires many of the topics of their songs.

Navicula continues to support social and environmental campaigns in Indonesia and around the world. Following are some of their most recent Social/Eco-Actions:

2010: Navicula was chosen as official spokesperson for Live Earth Bali 2010. Live Earth is an International Organization founded by Emmy-winning producer Kevin Wall, in partnership with former U.S. Vice President Al Gore. Live Earth seeks to leverage the power of entertainment through integrated events, media and the live experience to ignite a global movement aimed at solving the most critical environmental issues of our time.

2009: Navicula contributed the song “Mafia Medis” to Prita Muliyasari’s fight for medical justice and freedom of speech. The song was offered for free download on the band’s website, encouraging fans to listen to the song for free and then as payment donate directly to Prita’s cause (Koin untuk Prita).

2008: Navicula was featured on a national compilation album founded by LIPI to raise Disaster Awareness. Robi (vocalist of Navicula) along with Pepeng (drummer of Jakarta band Naif) we’re chosen as the spokespersons of the program and participated in giving trainings to communities in disaster prone areas of Indonesia, including Irian Jaya, Yogyakarta, and Bali.

2007 Navicula was awarded Environmental Ambassadors of Bali by the local government.

Navicula also is active as a performer, supporter, speaker, producer, as well as event organizer for many fundraisers, educational and art campaigns, social work, and sub-culture events.

Kau Datang
Navicula Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Kau datang padaku lagi
Dimatamu ada yang sembunyi
Sesal diri
Luka hati yang lama sembuhnya
Aku merasa iba
Walau dulu kau sakiti aku

Sayang jangan kau pergi lagi

Sesungguhnya aku ingin kauu
Datang dan takkan pergi lagi
Kubur lah luka kau ditakdirkan disini

Kita pernah tanam benih cinta
Benih itu pernah berbunga
Saat kau berlari dia mulai layu dan itu hampir mati
Saat kau datang sirami dengan air mata
Diaaa mekar kembali

Sayang jangan kau pergi lagi
Sesungguhnya aku ingin kau
Datang dan takkan pergi lagi
Kubur lah luka kau ditakdirkan disini

Sayang jangan kau pergi lagi
Sesungguhnya aku ingin kauu

Datang dan takkan pergi lagi
Kubur lah luka kau kau kauu ditakdirkan disini

Overall Meaning

"Kau Datang" is a song by the Indonesian band Navicula that speaks of lost love and the desire to have it return. The opening line, "Kau datang padaku lagi" ("You come to me again"), sets the tone for the rest of the song, as the singer admits to feeling a mix of emotions upon being reunited with a former love. The following line, "Dimatamu ada yang sembunyi" ("There is something hidden in your eyes"), suggests that the singer suspects that the other person may be hiding something or not being completely honest about their feelings.

The chorus of the song repeats the line "Sayang jangan kau pergi lagi" ("Darling, don't go again") several times, emphasizing the desperation the singer feels in trying to keep this person in their life. The lyrics also reference a past hurt that the singer has endured at the hands of this person ("Walau dulu kau sakiti aku" - "Even though you hurt me in the past"), but the desire to reconcile and move past it is still present.

The final verse of the song speaks of a love that once bloomed and then withered away but is slowly being revived. The use of the metaphor of a dying flower being revived by tears is a poignant image, suggesting that this relationship may still have some life left in it.

Line by Line Meaning

Kau datang padaku lagi
You have come back to me again

Dimatamu ada yang sembunyi
In your eyes, there is something hidden

Sesal diri
Regretting oneself

Luka hati yang lama sembuhnya
The old wound in the heart is taking a long time to heal

Aku merasa iba
I feel sorry for you

Walau dulu kau sakiti aku
Even though you hurt me in the past

Sayang jangan kau pergi lagi
Darling, please don't go again

Sesungguhnya aku ingin kauu
Truly, I want you

Datang dan takkan pergi lagi
To come and never leave again

Kubur lah luka kau ditakdirkan disini
Bury your pain, it is destined to be here

Kita pernah tanam benih cinta
We used to plant the seed of love