6. Amay Bhashaili - Al Rashid (The Guide) Alamgir, Fariha Pervez, Coke Studio Pakistan
Bhatiali or Bhatiyali is a form of folk music in Bangladesh. Bhatiyali is a boat song, sung by boatmen while going down streams of the river, as the word Bhatiyali comes from Bhata meaning ebb or downstream. This song had me in tears this morning. Not that I was sad about anything in particular. I think I connected with the fear in the lyrics expressed. Being creative is the most vulnerable you can be and although mostly I know I am brave I acknowledge the fear. I acknowledge my doubt and although I have trusted myself until now there are moments of deep confusion.
Coke Studio Sessions https://www.facebook.com/rohail.hyatt.public
You have set me adrift
You are causing me to drown
The river seems endless as if there were no shore
No border, no shore
The river has no limits
Steer it most cautiously, boatman
This boat of mine with a broken rim
The river seems endless as if there were no shore
Whether a storm rages
Whether rainclouds rumble
Take us across to the other end, boatman
However loud these river torrents roar
Help me get my boat to the shore, boatman
Take us across to the other end, boatman
The 98th Name of Allah Ya Rasheed, brings an established and clear consciousness that balances inner experience and worldly life. The one thing that is clear is that its not easy to live your souls purpose. A whole community of people can be found here who are trying to discover what they are about. So I love this idea of the boatman and in this song in particular he is the person the singer is putting all hope into. It reminds me to keep focused and determined despite all the feelings of chaos and confusion I will get to the other side. Something is being achieved. This version of the song is combined with another song in hindi which I think goes really well. Its about loosing ones love which is also a time when we feel we have lost ourselves and need help to hang on to get to the other side. I really thank everyone behind Coke Sudios as I would never have access to such music and examples of great musical ideas. I'd love to hear about songs that have impacted you in a similar way. Are you conscious of fear in your life? If you had to share a song that either helped you express your fear or helped you through these times what would it be? Below is another favourite boat song by Coke Studio. Both songs I dedicate to all those who are feeling a little lost...may your guidance find you and help you across to the other side.
An ancient boatmen tune also known as Bhatiali, this tune has been sung with different lyrics by boatmen in Bengal since ages; used by R D Burman as O Majhi Re in Khushboo in 1975. Music conceived and created by Lesle Lewis.