Reading Literature : Song Analysis 1

READING LITERATURE

Aamna Khan (M23028)

Sophia College, Mumbai.

 Song Analysis

Q1) Song- “Bombay Meri Jaan” by Mohammed Rafi

Introduction
Bombay Meri Jaan” by Mohammed Rafi is a classic song which excellently
captures the spirit of Bombay (now Mumbai) during the 1950s. The lyricist,
Majrooh Sultanpuri, has aptly conveyed the message of this song through his
excellent choice of words. O.P Nayyar composed this song in honor of the city to
celebrate its varied population, its liveliness and dynamism. The people’s despair,
hopes and dreams in post-independence India are well captured in these moving
lyrics which have been set to a hummable tune. In this analysis, we will critically
look at the contextual factors surrounding the poem with respect to its themes,
historical background and impact on people’s lives at that time.

Socio-economic Context During the Writing of “Bombay Meri Jaan”

The song "Bombay Meri Jaan" was written in the middle of the 1950s, especially
for the 1956 premiere of the Bollywood film "CID." This period marked a
significant phase in Indian cinema, known as the Golden Age, characterized by the
production of socially relevant and artistically rich films. The song was written in
the context of post-independence India, when the nation struggled with
modernization and building a nation. It captures the optimism, resilience and lively
cultural life that defined Bombay in the 1950s and represents the culture of the era.
When "Bombay Meri Jaan" was released, Bombay (now Mumbai) was going
through a lot of socioeconomic and cultural change. India had a sharp increase in
manufacturing and urbanization after its independence, which helped Bombay
become the nation's center of commerce, finance, and entertainment. The city
attracted immigrants from all across India in search of greater opportunities,
transforming into a fusion of varied cultures. Against this setting, the song captures
the essence of Bombay's inhabitants and their energetic dynamic, reflecting the
city's pulse. As people navigated the opportunities and problems of urban life, the
song's depiction of bustling streets, crowded markets, and hectic lifestyles mirrored
the hustle and bustle of the city.

Inspiration Behind “Bombay Meri Jaan”

The voice of "Bombay Meri Jaan," Mohammed Rafi, was renowned for his ability
to capture the spirit of his era through the depth and emotion he poured into his
songs. It's possible that Mohammed Rafi and the lyricist composed the song as an
ode to Bombay and its inhabitants. They aimed to raise awareness of the
difficulties and sufferings that Bombay's citizens endured while simultaneously
celebrating the city's energy, resiliency, and diversity through their lyrics and
melodies.

Hustle, Struggle, and the Meaning of Life in Bombay

The song captures the fast-paced life of Bombay, characterized by its bustling
streets, crowded markets, and busy lifestyles. It depicts people rushing through
their daily routines, navigating through the chaos of the city, symbolizing the
relentless pursuit of dreams and ambitions.
Amidst the glamorous lifestyle, Bombay is also a city of struggles and hardships.
The song speaks about the challenges faced by the common people like poverty,
unemployment and societal pressures. It portrays comman man striving to make
ends meet, toiling day and night to carve out a better future for themselves and
their loved ones. The song explores the meaning of life subtly throughout, set
against a colorful backdrop of Bombay and its people. It explores existential issues
of identity, purpose, and the human experience, provoking thought on the mysteries
and complexities of existence. The song's depiction of the crowded streets, chaotic
crowds, and various experiences acts as an example of life itself, which is a
journey full of difficulties, hopes, and happy moments. "Bombay Meri Jaan"
reminds us of the importance of enjoying every single moment, finding purpose in
the midst of chaos, and appreciating the beauty of the human experience through
its touching heart touching lyrics.

Impact of “Bombay Meri Jaan” on the Cultural Landscape

When socioeconomic and cultural trends came together in Bombay (now Mumbai)
in the middle of the 1950s, it had a dramatic impact on the lives of the people who
lived there. As a symbol of opportunity, the city drew migrants seeking
advancement and economic advancement from all over India. In context with this,
"Bombay Meri Jaan" became a musical ode that captured the goals of the city's
inhabitants as well as its growing cultural landscape.
The song makes an excellent job of capturing the energy and hustle of Bombay,
highlighting its busy markets, winding streets, and diverse variety of experiences.
"Bombay Meri Jaan," with its powerful lyrics and mesmerizing tune, honors the
city's people for their energy and resiliency as they face the chances and difficulties
that come with living in a big city.
Moreover, the song honors Bombay's vibrant artistic scene, which flourished in the
1950s. The city's music halls, theaters, and movie theaters filled with activity as
they fed the hunger of those seeking cultural stimulation by offering entertainment
and education. "Bombay Meri Jaan" surpassed its musical form and evolved into a
cultural icon, capturing the ambitions, aspirations, and desires of generations.

"Bombay Meri Jaan" had a significant influence on the audiences' life. Amidst the
hustle and hardships of urban life, the song reminded many of the city's resiliency
and cultural richness, which provided them with inspiration and comfort. "Bombay
Meri Jaan" is a timeless song that evokes nostalgia for past generations and
encourages future generations to appreciate the city's cultural legacy through its
compelling melody and timeless lyrics. In short, the song defines Bombay's
identity for future generations by reflecting not just the lives of individuals at that
period but also leaving an eternal mark on the city's cultural setting.

Conclusion
To sum up, "Bombay Meri Jaan" is an everlasting tribute to the essence and spirit
of Bombay. The song conveys the hopes, dreams, and hardships of the people who
lived in the city in the 1950s with its moving words and captivating music. It acts
as a moving reminder of Bombay's colorful life and rich cultural legacy. The song
still has an impact on listeners today, bringing back fond memories and a sense of
pride in the city's enduring spirit. Not only is "Bombay Meri Jaan" a beloved song,
but it also represents Bombay's lasting heritage and the never-ending search for
meaning and purpose in life.
Q2) Song- “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong

The song “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong was released in 1967, prior to
the release the singer had already made a name for himself as one of the most influential
figures in the early days of jazz music. The singer sets the tone for appreciation and
wonders of nature and life. This powerful piece of music left a remarkable impact on
listeners. It is a beautiful homage to love and life itself. One can feel the warmth of love
deep within their soul instilled by the age weathered voice of Louis Armstrong where he
sings about the wonders of the world in a way that just sounds genuine and pure. The
song was released during the times when the world witnessed the Vietnam War, global
tensions were high and people in general had a very bleak outlook on their respective
future. The song brings along a sense of hope and unity in times of despair, it addresses
that despite what we face in our daily lives there are always things worth cherishing. The
lyrics suggest that one can simply look out the window and see there is beauty to behold
and let the adverse things float away. "What A Wonderful World" reached number one in
the United Kingdom in 1968, but initially it was not a hit in the United States. However,
seventeen years after Armstrong's death the song became his last hit in the United States
following its inclusion in the movie Good Morning, Vietnam (1987), in which the beauty
of the lyrics and music was juxtaposed with scenes of war.

In the opening lines, "I see trees of green, red roses too", this reminds us to take notice of
the trees, greenery, and flowers around us. the first line of the song, tells us straight away
that there is always a chance for improvement and a chance to grow. The opening line
immediately shows us that the song will be focusing on the happier side of life instead of
the turmoil and that it’s better to be positive rather than negative. The line “The Bright
Blessed Day, the Dark Sacred Night” was carefully worded. With use of specific words
like blessed and sacred, it is presented that it’s quite a safe surrounding and that we’re
being looked after. Using these words instead of more negative words like black gives the
song a more soothing feel to it and relaxes people who listen.

The second verse, "I see skies of blue, and clouds of white", reminds us to look up and
appreciate the beautiful deep blue sky, and the white fluffy clouds, and the air we breathe.
In the second verse Armstrong admires the passing of each day into night. He mentions
the bright, blue sky, and the crisp, white clouds. He finds a blessing in the daytime, and
sacred moments of peace in the night, and he again remembers how wonderful the world
can be. The bridge adds a human element to the song, connecting the wonders of nature
with the people of the world.

One of my favorite line is "The colors of the rainbow, so pretty in the sky". It is a
glorious feeling and something you cannot take your eyes off. These lines can be taken in
many different meanings. The most recognised and shared view would be that the
rainbow is the show that the storm is over and clearer, easier times are ahead. First,
Armstrong notices a rainbow shimmering across the sky. The colors pop against the blue
sky, creating an image of love and happiness. He continues to say that these pretty colors
are on the faces of every person on the street. The rainbow could be a reference to race,
meaning that people on the streets are all different colors, like the rainbow. They shake
hands as friends, asking “how are you?”, but really expressing the love that exists within
their hearts. The reason why the line “They’re really saying I Love You” could be written
into the song is because people meet and greet each other with happy hearts every day,
and though they don’t always say it, they express that they love each other in many ways.

“They’ll learn much more than I’ll ever know” is expressing that overtime, more and
more knowledge is acquired when a new person is put in charge and the more knowledge
gained on higher up levels, the more knowledge is passed down to younger people and
though Louis Armstrong is older than children, by the time they are his age, they will
have had the opportunity to learn more than he has. These lines look into the future, as
Armstrong hears the crying babies and knows that they will soon grow into adults. He
recognizes that the younger generation will always be more open-minded and
knowledgeable than the one who came before them.

“What a Wonderful World” is one of the many songs that have stood the test of time.
Through its music and lyrics it tells us that when it seems all is lost and that despair is in
our hearts, there is always a hope for the future. Though it was written during a time of
terrible turmoil, it promised us a hope for a better future and showed us that we can
always come out on top. Louis Armstrong was a black American who faced prejudice
and bitterness towards him and yet still felt enough joy and hope within himself to
produce such a loving, touching song. The song spoke to many people of different races
and religions. It told us that no matter what you look like or who you are, things can
always get better no matter how bad they seem. Overall, the song captures the essence of
the songs timeless message inviting listeners on a journey of gratitude, optimism and joy.