Magtanim Ay Di Biro, English translation

Planting rice is not a joke English translation by Roberto Verzola

Magtanim ay di biro Traditional Filipino folksong

Refrain: Come, dear fellow stewards of the earth, stretching muscles is good for the health. Let us pause so we can catch our breath, and then tomorrow back to work! – Planting rice is not a joke; the whole day you’re bent like an ox. You cannot stand more than one bit; till you’re done you cannot sit. – Oh, my arms, the feeling’s gone; and my waist, its tired and sore. My legs feel a thousand pricks, soaked in water, six to six. – Mornings when I wake and rise; I tell myself to think, be wise and pray to find some land to till, so I can have a tasty meal. – What a cruel destiny to be born in poverty If I don’t work with my two arms, I won’t earn a single dime.

Refrain: Halina, halina, mga kaliyag, tayo’y magsipag-unat-unat. Magpanibago tayo ng lakas, para sa araw ng bukas. – Magtanim ay di biro; maghapong nakayuko. Di naman makatayo; di naman makaupo. – Bisig ko’y namamanhid; baywang ko’y nangangawit. Binti ko’y namimintig, sa pagkababad sa tubig. – Sa umaga pagkagising, lahat ay iisipin. Kung saan may patanim, may masarap na pagkain. – Ay, pagkasawimpalad ng inianak sa hirap. Ang bisig kung di iunat, di kumita ng pilak.