Music and Me - Part II

Continued from Part I

Another song where lyrics played the major role is this Bengali song “Pothchola” by Bengali progressive rock band Artcell.

The lyrics are simple, yet profound. It talks from the perspective of the first person and with repeated use of the words ‘aamar’ (meaning mine). It is a very individualist song and hence it is able to easily strike a chord with the younger generation. The guitar work is beautiful and subtle, allowing the thoughts to flow through the lyrics and reach the heart of the listener. This song is part of Artcell’s first album and the one that made me stand up and pay attention to the band and its album. This song played a major role in me liking most of the other songs in the album.

This is a very famous song in the Bangladesh Rock arena. It quickly gained cult status in the 90s and there is hardly anyone from that generation who does not like this song.

Shay Tumi (meaning That You) is about a man seeking redemption, wanting his love back in his life, asking for forgiveness. The song uses very simple words to convey the meaning and instantly strikes a chord with the listener. Once again a song that will stay with me because of the lyrics.

This is a song Ondho (meaning blind) by a more contemporary Bengali band called Black. I love everything about this song, the composition, the singing, guitar work, but what gives this song that extra meaning for me is the lyrics.

Phire Jete Chai Tomar Bhitore
Mukhosh Gulo Phele Rekhe
Amake Tene Nao

Ekhono Paai Ni Khuje Kichu
Ekhono Arale She

Shob Kichu Dekhe Ondho Hoyechi
Mitthar Kolome Shotto Likhe
Boshe Thaki Sobar Sathe

Ekhono Paai Ni Khuje Kichu
Ekhono Arale She

This is a song about intimacy, seeking intimacy, seeking closeness, stripped of all pretence, masks, lies, facades. It is about looking for that truth, purity, beauty.

While the lyrics are of a high class, I also absolutely adore the guitar solo especially from 3:07 to 3:50. This song also makes very beautiful use of a very traditional south asian instrument in the beginning called the Sitar. The video is pretty disappointing and does absolutely no justice to the song.

This is a song called Protibaad (meaning Protest) by another Progressive Metal band from Bangladesh called Cryptic Fate.

I have very little to say except that it is an absolutely amazing song. The lyrics just did it for me but the composition and guitar work is of the highest class too. Unlike Ondho, the video is also beautiful and fits the song aptly.

The song is about seeking for meaning, God, higher power, whatever you want to call it. The following lines are absolutely beautiful.

Jokhonie ami khub kacha kachi
(Whenever I am close to it )

Thikana dure shore jay..ha hayyyy
(The destination moves away a bit further)

Continued in Part III