Umar Ka Panchhi Udta Jatha Lyrics English Translation
Umar Ka Panchhi Udta Jatha loosely translates as Bird of Age, Keeps Flying. It has double meaning in that it could mean a person of age, or time that flys like a bird and never stops. It is beautifully sung by Anup Jalota and can be found in his double LP album Bhajan Teerth. It is a philosophical song about doing something good in your life before it is too late. It is about why we should stop putting things off for tomorrow because we may not have a tomorrow, besides, once that day has gone, it will not come back! It has a very unique accompaniment consisting of the tabla-drum and violin-type instrument that I had not heard before. They provide a very sad tone that augments the lyrics well.
The whole world is really just a play (tamasha) of illusion that we get caught up in and deceived (bharamata), and consequently, we forget the most important thing, which is to remember god. Immaturity and arrogance makes us think that we will live forever, and that there will always be time for those things. However, these lyrics remind us that tomorrow has gone and it will never come back again. Furthermore, the truth of our existence is such that we do not know for sure if there will be a tomorrow, for nobody knows when or how their life will end.
When we are unseasoned (kacha), we are idealistic, and feel that everything is within our power, and that we can solve any problem. However, the guy upstairs, has a way of reminding you your true position, which is that not everything is in your power to solve! As well as throwing flowers (phool) in your path, from time to time, he also throws hot-coals (angara), just to see if you remember him.
Of course, it is never too late to start praying, to make amends, to say sorry for all the wrongs you have done, and to do something good in your life for a change. Therefore, do it today, and do it now!
Meaning and Context
Prani refers to all living things with a soul; here I simplify it with you because otherwise it would take a paragraph to explain the meaning. There is no English approximation to this word because in Hinduism, all animals have a soul, whilst in Western religions; only humans can have a soul.
Maad approximates to arrogance.
Kachi approximates as unripe or immature or unseasoned in this context
Tamasha approximates to show or play. For example the whole world is a play.
Sason approximates to breathing, however in this context khachi sason implies immature being or person.
Ratoonga and japloonga I approximate and simplify to praying.
English Translation
Umar ka panchi, udta jatha
A bird of age, keeps flyin.
Kyun prani prabhu naam na gaata re
Why do you (being with soul) not sing the lords name?
Kissa pata hai, kal kyaa hoga
Who knows, what will happen tomorrow
Pata nahi kis pal kyaa hoga
Don’t (even) know what will happen in one second
Kal-chakra chaltha maad matha
The wheel of time keeps spinning (you) arrogant head
Kachi sason ki kya asha
An immature being has such hopes...
Kar jaye, kab bandh tamasha
that they will (pray) when the play ends.
Tuu murakh munn, kyun bharamata
You are a foolish heart, why are you so lost in this illusion?
Aaj kahe kal naam ratoonga
Today, (he) says tomorrow I shall pray...
Kal aye phir, kal japloonga
when tomorrow comes, again (they say), tomorrow I shall pray...
Beeta kal , kabi lout na aata
Tomorrow has gone; it will never come again.