Quick, Fast, and Skillful: The Children’s Song Macepet-Cepetan as a Reflection of Balinese Work Ethic
The Balinese children’s song Macepet-Cepetan carries a deep message behind its simple form. More than just entertainment, the song reflects values of quickness, alertness, and carefulness that have long been part of Balinese life. Through its light lyrics, it shows how the Balinese work ethic is built on discipline, hard work, and togetherness.
Bali is known as an island where culture is part of everyday life. For its people, culture is not only for ceremonies, but also a guide in daily routines from waking up, working, to preparing rituals. Interestingly, these values are not only taught through big ceremonies, but also through simple things like children’s songs called gending rare.
Teacher and children singing together, AI Illustration (Photo Source: Personal Collection)
Gending rare or sekar rare are traditional Balinese children’s songs with simple lyrics, light melodies, and easy to remember. They are not just for fun, but also serve as a way to teach morals, ethics, and the spirit of life from parents or teachers. These songs often appear in daily life, whether when children are playing, being put to sleep, or spending time with friends.
Among many gending rare, Macepet-Cepetan stands out. With its fast rhythm, short lyrics, and cheerful mood, it is often sung by children at home, school, or in the village. In cultural festivals, this song is also performed as a way to preserve tradition. The lyrics are:
Jalan jani macepet-cepetan
Jalan jani macepet-cepetan
Nanging limane tusing dadi matiang
Sajaba ento makejang dadi
Nyen ja kalah lakar gedig
At first glance, the lyrics look simple, but they actually invite children to move quickly, be alert, and work together with friends.
Children moving quickly while playing, AI Illustration (Photo Source: Personal Collection)
The song teaches an important lesson. The words “macepet-cepetan” mean to move fast and skillfully, but are balanced with the reminder “nanging limane tusing dadi matiang” (don’t let your hands get hurt). This shows that speed is not enough, it must be balanced with care.
Balinese farmers working together in the fields, AI Illustration (Photo Source: Personal Collection)
Balinese people are known for their quick, disciplined, and cooperative work ethic. This is also reflected in the song Macepet-Cepetan. The lyrics are similar to the spirit of Balinese farmers, who must work fast during planting and harvest seasons for good results. The song is also sung by children while playing or learning, teaching them not to delay their work.
The value of togetherness in the song also mirrors the atmosphere of preparing for traditional ceremonies, where everyone has a role and cooperation is the key. With its fast rhythm, the song helps children grow into a routine of discipline and productivity. That is why Macepet-Cepetan is more than just a children’s song it is also a simple way for Balinese society to pass down the spirit of hard work, cooperation, and quickness from an early age.
References:
Arnaiz, T. (2021, December 17). Lagu-Lagu Daerah Bali dan Maknanya bagi Masyarakat Bali. Bobo.Id.
Brata, I. B. (2019). Nilai-Nilai Pendidikan Karakter dalam Gending Rare sebagai Upaya Melestarikan Kearifan Lokal Bali. Diakronika, 50–65.
