Death, a bee & Toni?! 7 Maltese rhymes and tongue twisters that are golden oldies

Every Maltese kid has sung these or heard them at least once in their lifetime. While they’ve had different variations evolved over the years, these eight rhymes and tongue twisters are simply the best!

1. Pizzi Pizzi Kanna

We used to sing this all the time, but don’t ask us what pizzi is, or what St Anne has anything to do with it. Like many others, it was passed down through generations without knowing exactly what it means.

2. San Martin

This one is a popular one come November when the feast of St Martin is celebrated. This rhyme mentions walnuts, almonds, chestnuts and figs and their love for San Martin, the feast that brings bagsful of the stuff to nibble on.

3. Dawra Durella

Dawra Durella is basically the Maltese version of ‘ring-a-ring-a-roses’ and like many of the rhymes, it doesn’t really make sense, at least we think it doesn't...

4. Banni Bannozzi

No clue how to explain this one. The most important thing to know is that it mentions pastizzi and that if you don’t obey you won’t get any!

5. Iz zunzana

This was another kid’s rhyme which talks about a bumble bee whizzing around on a hunter’s roof. Literally that’s it. The story stops there.

6. Il-Mewt

This used to be used as a chant before a game. Basically, one person would be up against the wall whit his or her eyes shut, while the others decide on who will give the daqqa (hit). The person would need to guess who hit him.

7. Lanca gejja

A personal fav – equipped with a song and everything! The lanca was a mode of transport back in the day and this rhyme is about the kaptan of this boat who takes passengers from Sliema to Marsamxett, when one day he feels sick and only the sailors could help him. It’s much funnier in Maltese though, and it’s one of those songs you’d sing on a drunken night out. #Oops