MUSIC

By: Nasser Yousaf

I WAS A CHOPPY SEA BUT AM NO MORE 

I must have heard this song earlier, but as it often happens, I enjoyed it as just another song by Nashenas, one of the most evocative Afghan singers. My latest hearing of this soul song on the YouTube compelled me to explore the lyrics more profoundly. Here is what I found out which I am sharing with the readers with a view to motivating them to enjoy it. The metaphors employed by the poet Shahsawar Sangarwal from Laghman in the lyrics have added to the literary value of this song which I must rate as timeless.

  یاغی مرغه وزر ووم خو اوس نه یم 

د ژیړی مازیګر غرووم خو اوس نه یم 

د تقدیر څپو راګیر کړم په کوزه کی 

یو بی باکه سمندر ووم خو اوس نه یم 

د ملالی د میوند د خولی ناره ووم 

هم ایوب او هم اکبر ووم خو اوس نه یم 

د افق د سر لمبې به راکژی شوی 

د سکروټو جوړ ټټر ووم خو اوس نه یم

Da Yaaghi Margha wazar wum khu us na yam

I was the feather of the rebellious bird but am no more

Da zyari mazeegar ghar wum khu us na yam 

I was the mountain of the pale evening but am no more 

Da Takdeer chapu ragher kam pa kuza ke

The jolts inflicted by Fate have confined me to an urn

Yo bebaka samandar wum khu us na yam

I was a choppy sea but am no more 

Da Malala da Maiwand da khule nara wum

I was the battle cry of the Malala of Maiwand 

Hum Ayub hum Akbar wum khu us na yam

I was Ayub as well as Akbar but am no more 

Da Ufaq da sir lambey ba rakazhe shwe

The flames of the faraway crest would bow to me

Da skarwatu jor tattar wum khu us na yam

My chest was made of burning charcoal but am no more

Poet: Shahsawar Sangarwal

Sung by: Nashenas