This folk song is another one of my Ma’s favourite songs…recently attended a family wedding and this song has since then been on my mind so posting today….
In this song the newly married bride ,in her sorrow,asks her father why he has married her off to a foreign-land.The English translation of this folk-song is as follows…
Why did you marry me off to a foreign land ?
O my Father!
We are like caged birds Father,
As soon as you lift your hand, we will fly away…
O my Father!
Why did you marry me off to a foreign land ?
O Father, we are like cows in your shed,
We will go wherever you lead us…..
O my Father!
Why did you marry me off to a foreign land ?
You have given red palaces to brother
And a foreign-land to me…….
O my Father!
Why did you marry me off to a foreign land ?
When my Palki (a carriage for the bride) passes under the balcony,
My brother has fainted……
O my Father!
Why did you marry me off to a foreign land ?
As I lifted my veil and watch,
My homeland is left behind…..
O my Father!
Why did you marry me off to a foreign land ?
What do you sing now Dear Koyal?
As I leave for a foreign-land….
O my Father!
Why did you marry me off to a foreign land ?
manisha tomer's blog 