Vidaai Songs
view article Music Of Punjab
Madhaaniyaan
The objects and the chores that were a part of a woman’s daily routine feature prominently in these folk songs. Fresh butter was churned daily, lentils were cooked, clothes were sewn or repaired. The simplicity of folk songs and the depth of emotion they are able to convey through that simplicity can be heard in this very moving song. With a few spare words it presents us with observations about relationships and emotions that are universally true.
This is a form of song where the first word or line is only a rhyming device. The essential meaning lies in the latter part of the verse.
Churning staff. O immovable gods. One gives us birth, another takes us away.
Lentils. Father, in your palace Sings the seven colored dove.
Lentils. Father, in your palace Cool breezes blow.
Threads. These true brothers Lead my palanquin out.
Threads. These wives of my brothers Drink raw milk as soon as I leave.
Petals. Mother and daughter embraced, And the four walls of the courtyard shuddered.
Kaccha dudh: raw milk. Ordinarily milk was boiled before it was used. Raw milk was drunk absolutely fresh and unboiled and was said to be quite delicious. It was considered a special and occasional treat.
Ajj Di Dihaaddi Doli Rakh Le Ma
This is the moment of leave taking. All the people with whom she has spent her childhood and youth will be left behind today. With a few simple words the sadness of this moment is very effectively evoked.
Just for this day, mother, keep my doli, Let me remain my fathers bundle of mischief.
Look at my doli to your hearts content, As I leave for a unknown land.
My doli is decorated with fans, Today, my friends bid me goodbye.
My doli is studded with diamonds, Today, my brothers bid me goodbye.
My doli is draped with a silk sheet, Today, my paternal uncles bid me goodbye. My doli is covered with figured muslin, Today, my maternal uncle bids me goodbye.
My doli is stamped with designs, Today, my mother and father bid me goodbye.
My doli is decorated with stars Today, everyone bids me goodbye.
Saadde Saruaan De Tthandde Tthandde Saaye
In this bittersweet song the girl accepts that she is soon to be separated from her brothers - her own as well her maternal cousin brothers. She expresses her love for them, interspersing this with vignettes about the nature of her relationship with her brother as well as his wife.
Our cypress trees cast cool shadows. I wish you a long life, sons of my mother. Beloved brothers, Stay happy. Though far from my eyes Stay close to my heart.
When I asked my brother for a dupatta A frown appeared on bhaabi’s face. I have no power over my bhaabi Yet have no one other than her.
Our cypress trees cast cool shadows I wish you a long life, sons of my maasi. Beloved brothers, Stay happy. Though far from my eyes Stay close to my heart.
Wipe the tears from your eyes, my brother. Today the kunj will be plucked out from its branch. When I am far away and think of you, My heart will be heavy.
Our cypress trees cast cool shadows I wish you a long life, sons of my maami Beloved brothers Stay happy. Though far from my eyes Stay close to my heart.
Kunj: a migratory bird, gray, resembling a crane.
Mere Baagaan Di Koyal Kahaan Challi Eh
This is an extraordinary and somber song that sings of duty: a fathers duty to his daughter and a daughters duty to the vows of marriage.
Nightingale of my gardens, where are you going?
My dutiful father celebrated my marriage. Bound by these vows, I am leaving.
Nightingale of my gardens, where are you going? My dutiful brother celebrated my marriage. Bound by these vows, I am leaving.
Ni Maen Sau Sau Rukh Payi Laavaan
Beyond the natural love and devotion that exists between siblings, a brother represented the continuity of her parents home to a girl. It was he who would inherit the land of their father and continue to farm it. He was the future head of the family that she grew up in.
A loving relationship with him meant that she would always have a welcome there.
I plant a hundred saplings, They will grow green and full. Mothers are a cool shade, Who will shelter me now?
My brother planted a garden, A garden of flowers. I ask each traveler passing by For news of my brother. Who will shelter me now?
My brother gave me a spinning wheel Studded with golden nails. I think of you, dear brother, Each time I glance at it. Who will shelter me now?
My brother planted a garden, Planted one garden. May his home always flourish. I am leaving this country. Who will shelter me now?
