What Does That Mean?

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Imagine this scenario: you are in your car blasting that old-school bhangra or folk song and singing along. You’ve heard this same tune played hundreds of times at family functions or weddings receptions and picked up the lyrics as you danced to the dhol beat and tumbi strings. Suddenly, as you get to your favorite part in the song, you realise you have no clue what your singing. No, you didn’t forget the lyrics but you actually have no clue what you are singing about; what do the lyrics your singing mean? This is my story and may be yours too. As a product of the popular culture of Punjab, the folk music speaks of traditions long gone or difficult for those not born and raised in Punjab to understand. Fulkari’s mission is to bridge the gap between the generations and cultures, and so we present “What Does That Mean?” the new segment on Monday’s “Chirian Da Chamba” show where we translate popular Punjabi folk songs into English poetry.

Daachi Waleya
Audio:  Daachi Waleya Translations

Oh Camel Driver, come back to me

And take me along with you

My Camel has bells around its neck

I want to go ask a boon from the holy man

Your Camel has such a beautiful walk

Oh Camel Driver, come back to me

Your Camel is travelling through the desert

If the holy man grants me my wish, I will give him sweets

Come and ask me how I am doing

Oh Camel Driver, come back to me

I kiss your Camels feet

and pray for your prosperity

Please don’t hurt my heart and break my soul

Oh Camel Driver, come back to me

I am so proud of your beautiful Camel

I go to pray to the 5 holy men

I pray for your well-being

Oh Camel Driver, come back to me

______

Amban Te Tootan
Audio:  Amban Te Tootan Translation

Under the cool shade of the Mango and Mulberry tree

A snake charmer has come to rest from far away

Come, sister-in-law, let’s go outside

Let’s make an excuse of going outside to see the snake charmer

Under the cool shade of the Mango and Mulberry tree

The snake charmer has long long hair

Which he bathes with bowls full of yogurt

Under the cool shade of the Mango and Mulberry tree

The snake charmer has big big eyes

Which he adorns with black kajol

Under the cool shade of the Mango and Mulberry tree

Come snake charmer; let’s go to some far away land

I have been coloured with his love

Under the cool shade of the Mango and Mulberry tree