Life and AT Mahmud

I am mourning for AT Mahmud, the composer of so many Indonesian children songs. I grew up with his songs. No, not from school. It's my mother who sang them to me, teaching me line by line, melody by melody.

I remember she used to sing them when she bathed me, my chin up on her tummy while her hands were busy washing my hair. From that point of view, I could see her face, read her lips and listen to the songs. Living in a small town, until now I still wonder where she got those songs. The songs I love.

AT Mahmud's songs are gentle and the work of a naturalist. The words are easy to understand and the context is simple. The rhythms are so subtle and heartwarming that singing his songs could make me shiver.

His music definitely has shaped my life as a child. A happy child. And I have to thank my Mom and AT Mahmud for that.

Care to sing along with me?
Explore the lyrics here or here.