Entry 133

Kung Hindi Man (Translated)

Nicanor Abelardo may have lived a short life but he has contributed much to the formation of artful Philippine music, intertwining the local and Western. He is perhaps famous for his kundiman art songs, one of which is “Kung Hindi Man”, composed in 1920. For the PDF of the music sheet, click here → Kung Hindi Man.

And as a bonus, I made a singable translation of the song into English. Aptly titled “If I’m Not Worthy,” the translation mirrors the same dejected feeling of the song’s persona in the original Tagalog. I think the translation was close to the original in terms of imagery and story. I also followed the rhyme scheme ABAB, which is easier than the AAAA of the original. I am providing a vocal music sheet of the translation after the table. Take note that my work is not the official translation of the song. I am not aware if there exists one. I pray I did not commit sacrilege to this Abelardo canon.

Kung Hindi Man Musika at titik ni Nicanor Abelardo Irog sandaling dinggin ang aking pagtangis Irog sandaling tunghan ang humihibik Kung di man nararapat sa iyong dikit Isang sulyap mo lámang, aliw na ng dibdib Kung sa ’ki’y wala nang inilaang paglingap At ang pagdurusa ko ang siya mong pangarap Sa isang ngiti mong sa aki’y igawad Libo mang kamatayan aking tinatanggap

If I’m Not Worthy English translation by I.R. Arenas My beloved, hear me out, my request for pity My beloved, take a look at my tear-filled eyes If I am not worthy of staring at your beauty A glance from you is blissful still, enough to be my prize If indeed I will receive not any regard from you And this pain and anguish of mine are your source of pleasure Just one smile I so desire, grant me take a good view Should I die a thousand times, I rest with my treasure