Nakhwa Song

Here is another translation I had done early in the year. I have been hearing this song ever since I was a child (its a bit unavoidable if you are in the region) and I had never quite given the words much thought. When I started translating it, it just made so much sense (in terms of familiarity and thinking of what it means for geography). Anyway, this is ‘supposedly’ a traditional Koli song. I say supposedly because I remember speaking to someone from the Koli community and them suggesting that the song is relatively new. However, has become synonymous with the perceived music of the indigenous fishing community.

It was fun translating it. I tried to structure it like a poem, although if you see the video below, you will see that it is anything but. However, it makes sense when reading I feel.

Will you take me on your boat?

In deep water it stands, that she’s never seen.
Will you show her Janjira?
Oh Boatman!
Will you take me on your boat?

Not Mumbai, nor Pune.
I don’t want Goa!
Colaba Fort and Holy Khanderi,
show that to me!
At his door-steps, in Nhava sheva,
will you let me lay my eyes on Shiva?
Oh Boatman!
Will you take me on your boat?

Let us see;
Versava, Khar-Danda,
and Fort Arnala.
Through Naigaon
into Satpati
onto Dahanu Creek.
To see it my heart yearns.
Will you fulfill my desires?
Oh Boatman!
Will you take me on your boat?

Beloved. Your Beloved.
You lovingly call me Queen.
Let my eyes behold the water.
When will we go?
When will you take me?
Will you decide the time already?
Tell me.

Oh Boatman!
Will you take me on your boat?