Along with millions of fans across the globe, we mourn the loss of Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar (1929-2022). With an unmatched career that has spanned more than three generations, she is more than India’s most celebrated and prolific singer. She expresses the collective voice of the South Asian diaspora. In her voice, we find the full spectrum of our emotions – our joys, our sorrows, our prayers, and our love. She leaves behind an unforgettable legacy of musical artistry at its finest peak. Today, in her honor, we share the aptly suited lyrics and English translation from one of her most memorable performances in Kinara (1977).
With eternal admiration and gratitude,
-Mr. ’55
Naam Gum Jayega: Lyrics and English Translation
naam gum jaayegaa My name will disappear chaharaa yeh badal jaayegaa My face will change with time merii aavaaz hii pahchaan hai My voice is my identity gar yaad rahe If you remember it.. vaqt ke sitam kam hasii.n nahii.n The whims of time are no less beautiful aaj hai.n yahaa.n, kal kahii.n nahiin We are here today, tomorrow nowhere vaqt ke pare agar mil gaye kahii.n May we meet beyond the limits of time merii aavaaz hii pahchaan hai My voice is my identity gar yaad rahe If you remember it... jo guzar gayii kal kii baat thii What has happened is in our past umr to nahii.n ek raat thii It was only a night, not a lifetime raat kaa siraa agar phir mile kahii.n May we uncover the night's end again merii aavaaz hii pahchaan hai My voice is my identity gar yaad rahe If you remember it... din Dhale jahaa.n raat paas ho Where the sun sets, the night is close by zindagii kii lau uu.nchii kar chalo Ignite the flame of life and go forth yaad aaye gar kabhii jii udaas ho Memories of the past may bring despair merii aavaaz hii pahchaan hai My voice is my identity gar yaad rahe If you remember it... naam gum jaayegaa My name will fade away
Glossary
gum jaanaa: to disappear; aavaaz: voice; pahchaan: identity; sitam: whim, cruelty; hasii.n: beautiful; pare: beyond; umr: lifetime; siraa: end; lau: flame; udaas: sad, despairing