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
posted by Nasser Yousaf @ 22:24
2 Comments
2 Comments:
Thank you very much for the translation of Nashnas poetry, I would not have understood it in a million years, the imagery is very powerful and the emotions gut wrenching, It's true when you are young and strong you can challenge the world but as soon as old age sets in one is full of regrets and resignation. Best wishes
Shahida Wise
Aberdeen Scotland
What a life-like situation has been evoked by the song. But I was able to touch the marrow of the bone only through your heart-felt rendition into English. Most effectively conveyed by your rendition.
One of my favourite lines on the subject of being reduced by the vagaries of advancing age and devouring time is found in Wordsworth:
‘We men who in our morn of youth defied the elements
Must perish. - Be it so!’
Thanks for sharing, Nasser Yousaf Sahib. With my regards. Ejaz Rahim
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