Nursery Rhymes›Mandria, Mandria, Zaza
Mandria, Mandria, Zaza
Key: A minor~62 BPMGuitar & Piano chordsOriginal · Madagascar
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Mandria, Mandria, Zaza Lyrics. An original lullaby inspired by Malagasy cradle-song tradition, closely tied to the island’s musical heritage and the bright tone of the valiha. Here you will find the lyrics, English translation, meaning, and chords.
Sing & play
Lyrics & chords
An original arrangement, with guitar & piano chords above each line.
Verse
Am E Am
Mandria, mandria, ry zaza,
Dm E Am
ny volana mamirapiratra.
C G
Ny rivotra mitsoka moramora,
Dm E Am
mandria, mandria, ry zaza.
In English
What the words mean
“Sleep, sleep, dear child, the moon is shining bright. The wind is blowing softly, sleep, sleep, dear child.”
Play it
Chords — guitar & piano
Am
Guitar
Piano
Dm
Guitar
Piano
E
Guitar
Piano
C
Guitar
Piano
G
Guitar
Piano
Good to know
What “Mandria, Mandria, Zaza” Means
Malagasy lullabies are closely tied to the island’s musical tradition, often accompanied by the valiha (a bamboo tube zither) whose bright, rippling tone mimics wind and water. This original cradle song uses ‘mandria’ (to lie still, to sleep) and ‘zaza’ (child), simple words at the heart of many Malagasy bedtime songs.
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