Miryang Arirang
The Origin and Development of Miryang Arirang
- With different theories about the origin of the folk song, it is difficult to determine the exact period in which Miryang Arirang was created (possible times include Three Kingdoms, Joseon, or other periods). In Manchuria, where the independence fighters resisted against the Japanese occupation of Korea in the 1920s, the folk song was used as military marches, with titles such as “Independence Fighters’ Arirang” and “Korean Liberation Army Arirang.” The song was registered as an Intangible Cultural Heritage on December 6, 2012.
Rhythm and Melody
- the rhythm follows semachi menari tori (a feature common in music from eastern Korean Peninsula), and uses a pentatonic scale composed of la, do, re, mi, and sol, which begins and ends with la.
Musical Features
- Based on the semachi rhythm, the song progresses relatively quickly, with a strong and active melody. Some of the lyrics are crude: “I prayed for my sister-in-law to die, so that the pot of chili pepper paste can be mine.” With a quick rhythm, advancing melodies, refrain coming to the front of the song instead of in the back, and lyrics in informal tone, the song demonstrates the characteristics of people from Yeongnam region. Miryang Arirang also features exaggerated and stronger refrain, with heavy-sounding lyrics.
Lyrics
- Look at me, look at me, look at me;
- Look at me as if I were a flower on the New Year’s Eve;
- Ari arirang, sseuri sserirang, arariga nat ne
- Please carry me over the Arirang Pass.
- My lover came for me, but I cannot say hello;
- I bite my skirt and smile for him;
- Ari arirang, sseuri sserirang, arariga nat ne
- Please carry me over the Arirang Pass.