Rail Lai Ma
by Trishna Gurung
"Rail Lai Ma" is a hit Nepali indie-pop single written, composed, and performed by the prominent singer-songwriter Trishna Gurung. Released on November 5, 2017, the track features rhythmic acoustic guitar work and melodic arrangements by Bizu Karmacharya and Sunny Sunam. The song highlights Gurung's distinct, powerful, and emotive vocals, accompanied by traditional flute undertones that elevate its cultural resonance. Over the years, it has established itself as one of her definitive signature tracks, frequently showcased in her live concerts and during her stint as a coach on The Voice of Nepal.
Theatically, the song revolves around a bittersweet journey of departure, capturing the heavy emotional experience of saying goodbye. The title translates to "On the Train," and the lyrics follow a narrator traveling past rivers, waterfalls, and steep hills while carrying a heart full of memories and eyes full of dreams. Gurung beautifully juxtaposes the rhythmic chugging of the train with the internal conflict of the traveler, whose mind constantly shifts back to the land of their beloved. The soothing, repetitive folk-style chant "Ea ni lai lai" acts as a comforting anchor, mirroring the repetitive motions of travel and encapsulating the universal feeling of longing and hope.
Eh ni lai lai, o ni lai lai
Eh ni lai lai, o ni lai lai
Eh ni lai lai, o ni lai lai
Eh ni lai lai o
Eh ni lai lai, o ni lai lai
Eh ni lai lai o
Verse 1
Rail lai ma chadi
Kati ukali orali
Gardai sabai lai
Bidhai lage ma
Manda hawa le chuda jhan
Kina jhaski rahancha man
Samjhi maayalu ko
Deshai lage ma
Eh ni lai lai, o ni lai lai
Eh ni lai lai, o ni lai lai
Verse 2
Aakha maa lakhau sapana boki
Mana ma mitho yaad
Katdai aye tyo khola nala
Jharana ra pahad
Aakha ma lakhau sapana boki
Mana ma mitho yaad
Katdai aye tyo khola nala
Jharana ra pahad
Hera hidisake railai ma
Chuk chuki gardai railai ma
Eh ni lai lai, o ni lai lai
Eh ni lai lai, o ni lai lai
Eh ni lai lai, o ni lai lai
Eh ni lai lai o
Eh ni lai lai, o ni lai lai
Eh ni lai lai o
Eh ni lai lai, o ni lai lai
Eh ni lai lai o..