Today, I am immersed in the soulful melody of "Yaad Piya Ki Aye," a Thumri composed by the great Maestro Bade Ghulam Ali Khan in memory of his beloved wife, who departed in 1932 when he was merely 30 years old. This timeless composition in raag bhinna shadaj has transcended generations, as many renowned artists have lent their voices to its beauty.
Among the versions sung by Rashid Khan and Kaushiki Chakraborty, I find Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan Sahib's rendition truly astounding, with his unmatched clarity in delivering intricate murkis and embellishments. While newer singers have added their unique improvisations, none can rival the masterful expression of Bade Ghulam Ali Khan Sahib.
The poignant lyrics, "I am yet young but my bed is forlorn! Alas, my youth is passing by," resonate deeply, reflecting the eternal longing and sorrow of lost love. Music has the power to immortalize love!
Lyrics and Translation
Composer : Bade Ghulam Ali Khan
Raga : Bhinna Shadaj
याद पिया की आये
यह दुःख सहा ना जाये- हाये राम
बाली उमरिया सूनी रे (alt: री ) सजरिया
जोबन बीतो (alt: बीता) जाये- हाये राम
बैरी कोयलिया कूक सुनावे (alt: सुनाये )
मुझ बिरहन का जियरा जलावे (alt: जलाये )
हाँ पी बिन रैन जगाये – हाये राम
Transliteration
yaad piya ki aaye
yeh dukh sahaa na jaaye - haye raam
baali umariya sun ri sajariya
joban beeto jaye, haye raam
bairi koyaliya kook sunaye
mujh birhan ka jiyara jalaaye
haan - pi bin rain jagaaye, haye raam
Translation
Oh, my beloved's memories haunt me!
Alas, I cannot endure this grief!
Though young, my bed is desolate;
my youth is slipping away – Alas!
The cuckoo, my foe, sings its song,
igniting the bereaved heart within me.
Indeed, I stay awake all night, without my beloved! Alas!