Babu Ko Jungo
by Pushpan Pradhan
"Babu Ko Jungo" (बाबुको जुँगो) is a deeply moving and culturally resonant Nepali song written, composed, and sung by the acclaimed independent artist Pushpan Pradhan. First rising to prominence through its impactful music video featuring popular actor Bijay Baral, the song is widely celebrated for addressing the harsh realities of parental sacrifice and filial neglect. Musically, the track features a somber, folk-infused acoustic melody driven by poignant guitar chords, traditional rhythmic textures, and Pradhan’s raw, gravelly vocal delivery. Its hauntingly minimalist composition allows the overwhelming weight of the narrative to take center stage, making it an evocative anthem that has been widely covered on national stages like The Voice Kids Nepal.
Lyrically, the song serves as a heartbreaking commentary on how children often forget the boundless sacrifices made by their aging parents. The title itself metaphorically evokes the extreme lengths a father goes to for his family, with verses describing a father pawning his honor ("Babu ko jungo bandhagi rakheko") and a mother selling her traditional attire ("Aama le gunyoo cholo saateko") just to raise their children. Pradhan delivers a stinging, emotional rebuke to an ungrateful child with the recurring line "Timi le ta birsechau" ("You have forgotten"), pointing out how they forgot the mother who nursed them and the father who carried them on his shoulders to show them the world. The song ends on a tragic note, depicting the parent's dreams turned to ashes ("Sapana kharani kharani") and a mother's heart breaking.
Bara choro, tera naati
Budaa ko dhokro, kadhai maathi
Babu ko jungo bandhagi rakheko
Aama le gunyoo cholo saateko
Timi le ta birsechau
Timi le ta birsechau
Dasai dhaaraa dudh pilayeko
Kadhai maa raakhi sansar dulayeko
Timi le ta birsechau
Timi le ta birsechau
Sapana kharani kharani
Bipani bani haalyo biraani
Sapana kharani kharani
Bipani bani haalyo biraani
Buda ko laathi ni
Aama ko chati ni charkiyoo
Maya ra parishram
Uu mathi ko berthai go
Budaa ko lathi ni
Aama ko chati ni charkiyoo
Maya ra parishram
U mathi ko berthai go
Hm hmmm ummm
Nare nare nare dere nare nare
Dere nare na tanaanaa
Timi le ta birsechau
