"Ploughing the Barren Field”: Music, Desire, and Symbolic Eroticism — An Analysis
The Magic of 'Maang Paan' Between Being a Hit and Going Viral
What does it take for a song to become a hit—or in today's terms, to go viral? In many cases, the secret formula lies hidden within a 'Sexual Element.' This isn't to say that every hit song must have one, but those that do rarely face the risk of being a 'flop.'
Currently, a song by a long-term friend friend of Jhuma Limbu is going viral: 'Banjo khetma baali lagaun halo le jotera...' (Let’s plant crops in the barren field by ploughing it...). Jhuma was already well-established due to her gifted voice, her deep dedication to Mundhum music, and her extensive research. However, in this current 'heat' that seems to have dried everything up, this particular song about the desire to 'plough a field' has propelled her onto everyone’s viral list. My congratulations to her and the entire team!
The Art of 'Maang Paan' (Double Meaning)
In the Limbu language, such expressions are called 'Maang Paan,' known in English as 'Double Meaning.' One doesn’t necessarily need a 'dirty mind' to understand these subtexts; even a 'clean mind' can thoroughly enjoy the essence. The only difference is this: those with a 'dirty mind' express it and clear their heads, whereas those claiming to have 'clean minds' suppress it—and perhaps remain 'dirty' on the inside forever.
Historical Controversies and Explanations
The use of double meanings in music is nothing new. Many famous songs have gone viral and sparked controversy in the past:
- Shweta Shetty (1991): Her famous lyrics were, "Oo la la, oo la la, tu hai chaabi main hoon taala, kholo na kya baat hai..." (Oo la la, oo la la, You are the key and I am the padlock, unlock it, what's the matter).After strong public protest, she had to change 'Kholo na' (Open it) to 'Bolo na' (Speak to me) and re-record the track.
- Madhuri Dixit’s 'Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hai' (1992): This song was mired in even greater controversy. Later, in an interview, Madhuri explained, "Behind my blouse is my heart (dil), which I have saved for my beloved." This clarification eventually calmed the storm.
- Other Examples: In Indian cinema, songs ranging from "Hum tum kamre mein band ho aur chaabi kho jaye" to "Sarka lo khatiya jaada lage" are classic examples of this trope.
The Nepali Context and 'Banjo Khet'
This is not a new phenomenon in Nepali folk music either. Older popular songs like "Ui kholiko paani, ui kholiko maacha, urli aayo bainsa mero kaan jaam kaan jaam bhacha..." alluded to the same sentiments.
My only wish for creators and artists today is this: when performing these 'Maang Paan Samlo' (double-meaning songs) on stage, I hope you don't face a barrage of eggs like performers did back in 1991. Fortunately, times have changed, and the audience's understanding and 'taste' have evolved as well.