5 Popular Indonesian Songs to Celebrate Mother's Day
JAKARTA - Every December 22, the Indonesian people celebrate Mother's Day which is not just a ceremony, but a reflection of endless love.
In addition, music as the most honest emotional medium, often becomes a bridge to convey what the tongue finds difficult to say.
Many Indonesian musicians make their mothers as the main inspiration in their songs. From the history of Indonesian music, some songs have even been transformed into "obligatory songs" that can stir emotions whenever the lyrics are chanted.
Here are 5 Indonesian songs to accompany Mother's Day:
1. "Bunda" - Melly Goeslaw (1997)
Talking about songs with a mother theme, it is impossible not to put "Mother" on the top list. Released in 1997 as part of the album Potret II, this song was born from the cold hands of Melly Goeslaw. Melly created this song as a sincere dedication to his mother. The personal lyrics - like opening a blue album and remembering childhood - make listeners feel like they are entering their own memory space. Rolling Stone Indonesia magazine once included this song in the list of 150 Best Indonesian Songs of All Time. Until now, "Mother" remains the main choice in every Mother's Day celebration.
2. "Ibu" - Iwan Fals (1982)
If Melly brings a soft side, Iwan Fals through the song "Ibu" (from the album 1910) presents a portrait of an extraordinary hard struggle. Through the lyrics "Thousands of kilos of the road you have walked", Iwan describes explicitly the physical and mental sacrifices of a mother. This song is not just a compliment, but an admission of sin by a child for all the burdens that the mother has borne for the future of her child. Iwan's heavy and soulful vocal character makes this song an anthem. Together with Ebiet G. Ade, Iwan Fals recently reintroduced the song "Ibu" to young listeners.
3. "Bertaut" - Nadin Amizah (2020)
Entering the current era, there is "Bertaut" as one of Nadin Amizah's most monumental works. This song is part of her debut studio album titled "Selamat Ulang Tahun", a personal project released on her 20th birthday. Narratively, "Bertaut" tells the story of a deep inner bond between a child and his mother. The lyrics are written as a form of honesty of a child who sees his mother as a mirror as well as a refuge from the harshness of the world. The popularity of this song is beyond doubt, "Bertaut" has become a phenomenon on various social media platforms, becoming a must-listen song for those who want to celebrate the warmth of motherly love, and bringing Nadin to several awards.
4. "Hanya Rindu" - Andmesh Kamaleng (2019)
Andmesh Kamaleng presents "Hanya Rindu" not just as a normal love song, but has a painful personal depth. This song was written by Andmesh as a form of expression of great longing for the figure of the mother who has died. The lyrics describe the helplessness of someone who can only cherish longing through prayer and photo memories. With a very personal meaning, this song which is part of the album "Cinta Luar Biasa" (2019) is one of the most popular from Andmesh's discography. On social media, this song has even been covered in several languages.
5. "Letter to Mother" - Fiersa Besari (2014)
"Letter to Mom" was introduced by Fiersa Besari in 2014. This song became an important part of the second album, "Where I Come From", which confirmed its position in the Indonesian independent music industry. The lyrics of the song are a sincere confession and apology from a child who feels he is not yet able to repay the extraordinary services and sacrifices of his mother. Fiersa Besari describes the longing for a warm childhood as well as the sadness of a mother's tenacity who often hides her fatigue for the sake of her children's happiness. Thanks to its depth, "Letter to Mom" has grown into a popular and timeless song (evergreen), especially on social media. This song always experiences a surge in popularity every year leading up to Mother's Day, where many people use it as background music to express love and gratitude.