Hundred Songs, A Canvas Of Love

Writing a song about love, affairs, tragedy, and ups and downs is a common subject. However, creating lyrics in a common style without creativity is not an art. A well-crafted song can evidently be a unique, symbolic, well-structured, and creative piece of art. In another way, lyrics should be simple and understandable so that grandparents can understand the expression of their grandchildren. A lyricist should be aware that the lyrics should be simple, but they should be unique too. So, writing lyrics is not an easy job. A lyricist needs a lot of endurance for his or her work. The lyricist should be familiar with playing with words and know the importance of putting them in the right place. Only a skilled wordsmith can craft beautiful lyrics.

Pandey is a well-known lyricist in the Nepali music genre. He has been writing lyrics for over two decades, releasing hit song after hit song.During this time, Pandey has penned hundreds of lyrics for individual song projects by talented music creators. He has contributed to the success of a dozen music albums and films.

Pandey’s "My Hundred Songs" is the first anthology to his credit; however, he has already released nine music albums. This anthology consists of 100 individual lyrics, of which Khaeko Kasam is the first and Kun Ranga Ko... is the last. Lyric Malai Yo Desh Ko Itihas... expresses the devotion of Pandey to the nation, while Dashain Ayo... is a lyric created on the cultural theme. Songs with tragic stories include Pahile Dil Satne, Maya, and Marera.Likewise, Ek Pal Mutuma, Nachineko Euta Manchhe... are crafted around the theme of love affairs.

Dr. Krishna Hari Baral writes the preface for "My Hundred Songs," while lyricists Shubha Mukaraun, Ek Narayan Bhandari, and Ramesh B.G., musician Mahesh Kumar Khadka, and Madhav Sharma bless him with their best wishes and critical inputs for the refinement of Pandey’s songwriting endeavors.

"My Hundred Songs," a 114-page anthology that includes 100 separate lyrical poems, is published by ABC Pustak Bhawan. Most of the lyrics have already been turned into songs with the vocals and tune of established artists, so his lyrics are already famous to audiences.

One would love to have the book and enjoy the mind-blowing lyrics. The reader also loves the cover, designed by Star Design and Print. The printing work was performed by Nepal Megha Printing House. This book is recommended for readers to enjoy with a simple but unique collection of love songs.

Dr. Baral intends for Pandey to devote additional time to lyrical works to capture the music market with outstanding lyrical works. He finds common issues expressed differently in Pandey’s songs. In addition, Dr. Baral finds that Pandey has written the lyrics on cultural issues and also the youth's aspiration for change, which are distinctly different from contemporary lyricists. Dr. Baral finds perfect lyricism in most of the lyrics, indicating a few to rectify.

While looking at Pandey’s preface statement, we can say that Nepali lyricists have a common memory. Most of the lyricists agree that they have learned to write songs by listening to Radio Nepal. Pandey is an active lyricist who is elucidated by Radio Nepal’s popular musical shows. Pandey’s statement reveals that he is influenced by his father, which is natural too. Looking at "My Hundred Songs," the lyrical consensus on him has risen as a result of his experience in his hometown. However, there is less indication of the influence of his father’s traditional way of enjoying songs.

Although lyrics from different perspectives could have been included in "My Hundred Songs," most of the lyrics carry the message of a love story. That is why "My Hundred Songs" has left room to criticise the fact that Pandey’s lyrics are heavily enriched with love themes.

Pandey is a talented wordsmith who uses folk words in the lyrics included in "My Hundred Songs." It is a reality that a person cannot be a lyricist in Nepal who is unfamiliar with the Nepali way of life. In "My Hundred Songs," Pandey demonstrates himself as a lyricist with a strong connection to the ups and downs of rural life. These creations reflect the beauty of our culture—the feast and festival, hardship, and day-to-day life. The individual lyrics in "My Hundred Songs" show that the anthology is a canvas of love.

(Reviewer is a lyricist and researcher.)