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[Page 160]
BAO-ILLI – SONGS.
THE first six of the following songs, in Kamilaroi and Wolaroi, with the explanations, were kindly furnished to me by the Rev. C. C. Greenway.
I.
This song was composed in derision of some one of the same tribe, and is a specimen of their sarcastic style.
Ƞandunago? ... Who comes?
tirree ghilliana, ... large head of hair,
buƞūn mulliago, ... arms crooked,
ƞaighīn bular. ... like two cockle shells.
Ƞai murrīn ? ... Is it one of my people ?
ƞaia warrambria ƞirri go ma ... on the road he is.
toh dirraldia. ... Smoke comes out.
II.
This song was composed to ridicule the conduct of those who frequent the public-house. It shows how the Aborigines adopt English words, and give them their own inflections.
Publikaor wiritheā, ... Public-house screaming,
djeamillia mīr mīr, ... seizing hips
ƞummildeago karniweandi, ... he appears, tripped up by a stick,
druƞgilla, tiunal a dūnī. ... drunken, stricken with fists.
III.
This song is called a Ugal, or dancing song, to be sung to the dancers on a warlike or festive occasion.
Burran, būrīn, bilar būndī, ... Shield of buree (wood), spear and club,
Murala berar karnī ! ... Throwing stick of berar, bring!
Wakara waroī tubilkā būndīn ... The broad boomerang of Waroee, waist-belts and pendants of boondin,
Yumbu! yumbu! gumil ... Jump! jump! use your eyes,
Warakel munan. ... With the straight emu spear
IV.
The following Ugal is for a more peaceful occasion.
Murri goriah, ... Blackfellow very fat,
Yerāman būraldi, ... Horses driving,
Wi wi kurral-ah, ... Firewood sawing,
Millimbrai kakullah, ... Milking cows crying out,
Kirawa ! ... Looking for them.