Remembering Pagan (Bagan)

Remembering Pagan
(Pagan ko aut meih chin)

Anawrahta the great
Made Burma a state
Remembering it makes
Arinaddana great too
So magnificent and cool, I salute you.

Built granaries, canals and waterways
For drinking bathing and tilling he gave
Water water everywhere in those days
"aye, aye, sadu, sadu", they would say
Parent of people Anawrahta the benefactor's way
So noble was he ,deep respects I pay.

People meant king, king meant people
Heart to heart they ruled and toiled
During that time
Rule of law prevailed and shined
State stable and fine
Armed forces strong brave and kind
Noble of spirit big and sincere
Born and bred together they were brothers
Equal and united everywhere
Young showed respect to elders
Unity harmony and prosperity gathered.

Followers and leaders aimed high
Remained noble alike
And built pagan right.

Patriotic
Strong spirit and new wit
Bit by bit they built higher.

Patriotic
With new spirit and beautiful mind
They made fine arts and higher palaces.

Patriotic
Selfless with swords in hand
They vanquished enemy bands.

Pagan meant
Honest, sincere and united.

Past greatness and grandeur
Make me think and ponder
Happier and contented
Pleasant in the twilight shed.

Tin Moe (1981)
Translations by Dr. Maung Maung Nyo