Would spend our days, Hindus and Muslims,

Singing Baul and Ghetu songs all together!

The monsoons were the time of Ghazi songs

Sung joyously, colorfully, delighting everyone.

Baul and Ghetu songs created a torrent of delight.

Shari songs on our lips we'd race our boats then.

Hindu households would stage jatra plays

We'd be invited, and we'd love to attend.

Who cared about politics or got worked up

About being a member or an elected official?

In disputes, us poor and needy folks

Would seek and find justice in panchayat courts.

People were simple and happy in their beliefs

Now everyone crazily chases dreams of riches!

I keep thinking: we'll never be happy like then.

Though I once believed happiness was forever.

Day by day things get worse and worse

Which path will distraught Karim now follow?

Translator's note: The above translation is based on a song which is part of a collection of songs by various bands and singers of Bangladesh titled simply Baul Shah Abdul Karim. It is a collection that I highly recommend to all music lovers. It should be added that Shah Abdul Karim (1916- ) is a Baul from Sylhet and in my opinion a wonderful lyricist and composer who has at least 1500 songs to his credit. He received the Ekushey Padak in 2001.

Fakrul Alam is professor of English at Dhaka University.