Keep Bahasa Indonesia Alive: Avoid The Language Slumber

Don't Sleep Away is a song by singer-songwriter Daniel Sahuleka, released in 1981 as a single from his album of the same name. The song is a heartfelt ballad with poignant lyrics that explore the pain of separation and the fear of loneliness. The Indonesian-Dutch artist, who was born in Semarang, Central Java, Indonesia, and later resided in the Netherlands, showcases his emotional vocals and expressive songwriting in this moving track. The song's theme of longing and love has resonated with listeners, and its impact has extended beyond musical borders, with a translated version in Bahasa Indonesia titled Jangan Kau Menangis (Don't Cry).

Don't Sleep Away the Night by Daniel Sahuleka

"Don't Sleep Away This Night" is a song by Daniel Sahuleka, a singer of Dutch and Indonesian descent. The lyrics of the song revolve around a plea for a loved one to stay by their side through the night, expressing the pain of time passing by and the fear of impending loneliness.

> "Hari esok hampir tiba, tak pernah perasaanku begini sebelumnya / Esok, betapa hampa esok kan terasa / Pahit rasanya, air mataku hampir tumpah / Karena kutahu kaulah satu-satunya cahayaku / Aku mencintaimu, oh aku membutuhkanmu / Oh, sungguh / Jangan tidur malam ini kasih / Kumohon temani aku hingga fajar tiba / Sakit rasanya saat kutahu waktu tlah berlalu / Dan setiap menit sungguh berarti / Oh, aku mencintaimu / Berapa banyak hari-hari sepi yang menungguku / Berapa banyak musim akan kulewati / Hingga emosi ini kan membuat kering air mataku / Saat ini harusnya aku menangis / Karena aku mencintaimu, oh aku membutuhkanmu / Oh, sungguh / Jangan tidur malam ini kasih / Kumohon temani aku hingga fajar tiba / Sakit rasanya saat kutahu waktu tlah berlalu / Dan setiap menit sungguh berarti / Semua ini membuatku takut / Jangan tidur malam ini kasih / Kumohon temani aku hingga fajar tiba / Sakit rasanya saat kutahu waktu tlah berlalu / Semua ini karena aku masih mencintaimu."

The song was released as a single in 1981, and it gained popularity in Indonesia, where Sahuleka's music has a dedicated fan base. Sahuleka, who was born in Semarang, Central Java, Indonesia, in 1950, moved to the Netherlands with his parents when he was just 10 months old. Despite not releasing many albums, he has left a lasting impression with his music, particularly in his country of birth.

The song "Don't Sleep Away This Night" captures the anguish of impending separation and the longing for a loved one's presence, making it a poignant and emotional appeal that has resonated with listeners.

The English translation of the song's chorus

The song "Don't Sleep Away" by Daniel Sahuleka features lyrics in both English and Bahasa Indonesia. Here is the English translation of the chorus:

"Don't sleep away this night, my baby

Please stay with me at least 'till dawn

It hurts to know another hour has gone by

And every minute is worthwhile

I love you, yes I do"

The chorus is a plea for a loved one to stay, expressing the pain of time passing and the desire to make the most of each moment together. The singer declares their love and need for the other person, asking them not to sleep and to stay by their side until dawn.

The song's lyrics convey a sense of urgency and the importance of cherishing time with a loved one. The singer is aware of the fleeting nature of time and expresses their fear of the approaching lonely days and seasons. The chorus captures the intensity of their emotions and the desire to hold on to the relationship.

The original Indonesian version of the chorus

> Jangan tidur malam ini kasih

> Kumohon temani aku hingga fajar tiba

> Sakit rasanya saat kutahu waktu tlah berlalu

> Dan setiap menit sungguh berarti

In English, this chorus is translated as:

> Don't sleep away this night my baby

> Please stay with me at least 'till dawn

> It hurts to know another hour has gone by

> And every minute is worthwhile

"Don't Sleep Away the Night" is a single distributed by the label Daniel Sahuleka and was released in 1981. The song is about a person who is in love and does not want to be apart from their loved one, even for a single night. The singer expresses their fear of the loneliness and emptiness they will feel if their loved one leaves.

The song's release as a single in 1981

"Don't Sleep Away the Night" is a song by Daniel Sahuleka, released as a single in 1981. It was the second single from the album of the same name. The song was a hit in Europe and Indonesia.

Sahuleka is a singer-songwriter of Dutch-Indonesian heritage, born in Semarang, Indonesia, in 1950. He moved to the Netherlands at 10 months old and began his recording career in 1977, releasing the single "You Make My World So Colourful" with the label Polydor Records.

"Don't Sleep Away the Night" was released as a follow-up single in 1978, and it became a popular song in Europe and Indonesia. The lyrics of the song express a deep sense of love and emotion, with the singer pleading for their beloved to stay with them through the night, as every minute together is precious.

The song has had a lasting impact, with many listeners sharing their emotional connection to the song in the comments section of lyrics websites.

The singer's Indonesian heritage

Daniel Sahuleka, the singer of "Don't Sleep Away", was born in Semarang, Java, Indonesia, on 6 December 1950. He is of Indonesian heritage, with a mother of Sundanese descent and a father of Ambonese descent. Sahuleka and his parents moved to the Netherlands when he was 10 months old.

Sahuleka is proud of his Indonesian heritage and has expressed his concern for the country, particularly regarding natural disasters and religious conflicts. He has also donated to causes in Indonesia, such as providing aid to the victims of the Merapi eruption in 2010.

Sahuleka's Indonesian heritage has influenced his music. In 2004, he released an album that included the song "Berdendang", which was strongly influenced by the music of his ancestral homeland, Maluku. Additionally, his song "You Make My World So Colorful", which was featured on his self-titled album in 1976, gained popularity in Indonesia.

"Don't Sleep Away", originally an English-language song, was also translated into Bahasa Indonesia as "Jangan Kau Menangis", which means "Don't Cry". This version was released as the main song on his 1981 album "Jangan Kau Menangis".

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