by แอ๊ด คาราบาว Aed Carabao

A SINGABLE ENGLISH VERSION translated by Ann Norman

NOTE: The name “Bualoy” means “Lotus Leaf” which is meaningful in the Thai Buddhist tradition. A lotus grows underwater from the bottom of the pond and then comes up to the air and blooms at the surface and is a metaphor for one’s personal development (if I understand correctly). We hope to have an English language demo soon, but for now, please sing along over top of The Richman Toy singing in Thai in the YouTube below.

Bua Loy is Part 5 in the 10-part Tuk Kwai Tuey series of songs. Click to return to the direct translation of “Bua Loy,” or proceed to Tuk Kwai Tuey 6, another very famous song, better know as “Manohk.”

Bua Loy, my good friend
You left too soon it’s true
Where are you, Bua Loy?
You know, sometimes I think of you . . . of BUA LOOOOYYYYYYY!

Bua Loy, this guy I know
He always limps, he’s got crossed eyes
He’s not that much to see
but his mind is high, like the Lotus Leaf
A friend when you need a friend
A cook when you need to eat
A doctor if you scream in pain
He’ll get you back on your feet

Bua Loy’s been handicapped
And so of course he escapes the draft
But still he volunteers
The man is brave and he endures
He works hard all the time
A humble, normal guy
Helps out every friend
He’s there through thick and thin

Bua Loy, my good friend
You left too soon it’s true
Where are you, Bua Loy?
You know, sometimes I think of you . . . of BUA LOOOOYYYYYYY!

One day the guns resound
Bua Loy is lying on the ground
Mumbles “Are y’all OK?”
The very last words Bua Loy will say
From that day ’til this day
In a farmhouse on a hill
Bua Loy is absent still
It’s listless there and grey

Spoken:

This world is all messed up
‘Cause some care just about their own needs
How many people in this world
Rise as high as this lotus leaf?

Sung:

This world is all messed up
‘Cause some care just about own needs
How many people in this world
Rise as high and become free . . . . as Bua Loy!!!!!