CD02-05: Hongseong, Song for Weeding Rice Paddy - Minsaeng-i
(Hongseong, Chungnam Province/ Choi, Yang-seop (71yrs), Choi, Gwang-sun (67yrs) & others/ 1993)
◆ This song as a whole is called 'Jin-sori'(slow song). It is sung during the second and third phase of weeding with hands. 'Sanyeo' is a song meaning “sing a song” that starts around three or four O'clock in the afternoon. When the lead singer starts the 'Sanyeo', one or two people nearby sings “That is Good (Jota)”. In between, several people take over with 'Dure-sori' and 'Maru-sori'. This process is repeated over until the rice paddy is nearly weeded, at which time 'Mondeul-sanyeo' is sung. This is a song with a very sophisticated style, developed only in Gyeolsong-myeon district.
(Content of Song)
“A: Half way through life and getting old
B: That is good. With a flower stuck in the hat, we dance merrily.
Refrain : (no special meaning)
B: That is good. the most important thing in the world is farming
Refrain: (no special meaning)
B: That is good. The Geomungo made of paulownia wood, makes music even when its strings are barely touched
A: Have a good harvest this year and offer some to the country, take care of our parents and feed our wives and children… Older brother, you can get married next year but this year, sell the ox and marry me off first”