How to Sing a Malaccan Folk Song

I forbid myself mention of sex imagery from all walks of life found in folk songs. Suffice it to mention a few: the water-pail in the well, the plot of land, the boatman, the monk, etc.

—Lin Yutang

If you were to sing me a folk song, neglect not the water-pail in the well, the plot of land, the boatman, and the monk. Begin with the shade thrown over Malacca River and sing to me of the water, mucid and still, or the waitresses passing fugitive smiles as they balance chilled glasses of lime juice. Since I am here, do not omit the chrysanthemum flowers, or the perspiring mango trees, or even the cows grazing by the billboards. I want your voice to rise and...