Magtanim ay 'Di Biro explained

Magtanim ay 'Di Biro
Composer:	Felipe de León
Translation:	"Planting rice is not a joke"
Language:	Tagalog
Dedication:	Farmers

Magtanim ay 'Di Biro (and known in its English title as Planting Rice)^[1] is a popular Tagalog folk song composed by Felipe de León.^[2] The song tells of the struggles of farmers, how one must twist and bend to plant rice in the muddy paddies all day, with no chance to sit nor stand.^[2]

Lyrics

Magtanim ay 'di biro
Maghapong nakayuko
'Di naman makatayo
'Di naman makaupo

Braso ko'y namamanhid
Baywang ko'y nangangawit
Binti ko'y namimitig
Sa pagkababad sa tubig

Sa umagang paggising
Ang lahat iisipin
Kung saan may patanim
May masarap na pagkain

Braso ko'y namamanhid
Baywang ko'y nangangawit
Binti ko'y namimitig
Sa pagkababad sa tubig

Halina, halina, mga kaliyag
Tayo'y magsipag-unat-unat
Magpanibago tayo ng lakas
Para sa araw ng bukas
Para sa araw ng bukas

In popular culture

The song was first recorded in mixed Tagalog and English by Katy de la Cruz in the United States in the 1920s.

Notes and References

1. Web site: Enriquez . Elizabeth L. . Iginiit na Himig sa Himpapawid: Musikang Filipino sa Radyo sa Panahon ng Kolonyalismong Amerikano . Plaridel . October 5, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231005202312/https://www.plarideljournal.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Early-View-2020_Enriquez.pdf . October 5, 2023 . 6–7 . fil . 2020.
2. Web site: Song. MAGTANIM AY DI BIRO-Lyrics Of A. Filipino Children. August 16, 2019. MAGTANIM AY DI BIRO - Lyrics Of A Filipino Children Song (Video). November 24, 2020. Philippine News. en-US.