This song was translated by the Right Reverend Galvin from the Kenyah people. It was published in the The Sarawak Museum Journal July-December 1962. He states the song is only part of a longer dirge.
Head-Hunting Song
Up with you! Shout along the length of the house
Away and summon everyone.
Call the young warriors hither
and ask them to gather on the wide and mighty veranda
How fine a sight to see the young warriors
Unafraid and eager to set off over the hills
Across bridges bedecked with leaves
Eager to catch but a glimpse of the enemy
As they move downstream
Go and put on your war dress
Go find the landing place, the route of the enemy
Shout along the length of you house
Get all the youth together
Follow the route the length of the upland
Make note of warnings of Bali Uong
Look out for the portents of Bali Pelaki
Up with you now and show your strength
A long journey is before you
Go prepare a shelter in the jungle
Make sure you catch sight of the Bali Pelaki
Make your way up that stream which Pelaki will show you
Or perhaps the omen bird Isit Isit will be your guide
Go and call them allGet them to present themselves-the young warriors
Open every door let your voice be heard along the rafters
Look out for the thorn bushes as you carry your basket
Your basket made of splayed rattan
Rest for awhile your back to the veranda rail
Go down from the house by the front path
And thence follow the routeLook out for the portents of Bali Uong (?)
Go and follow the directions of Pelaki
You are the protectors of the old and feeble
Go to you hide outs uncover the enemy
Let your voice be heard up on those cross beams
Look out for Pelaki and his warnings
Get up and stretch yourself and set out for war
As you, keep a look out for Bali Kiying
Make yourself a hide-out, a resting place
Where you can ambush the enemy
On your way now and search them out on the plateau
Make a hide out from where you can set about the enemy
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Pelaki and Isit are all birds of good luck
Bali Kiying is a bird of bad luck and if spotted the hunt must come to an end.
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