Migrant Child’s Lament Honoured in New Song

Migrant workers are widely recognised as a vital engine of Bangladesh’s economy. They toil relentlessly abroad, sending remittances that sustain families, communities, and the national economy. Yet beyond the financial contribution lies a hidden world of loneliness, longing, and the deep ache for a mother’s embrace. This unspoken emotional landscape has been beautifully captured by the folk music collective Baula, who recently released their poignant new song, “Bidesh Amar Bhalobashe Na, Ma” (“Mother, I Do Not Like Being Abroad”). The track was officially released on the Baula Bangladesh YouTube channel on Thursday at 6:30 pm.

The song features the compelling lead vocals of Baula’s performing artist, whose voice brings to life the heartfelt lament of a child torn between the demands of migrant life and love for their mother. The chorus, repeating the line “Ma, bidesh amar bhalobashe na”, resonates with the universal sentiment of homesickness and emotional exile.

The song’s lyrics and melody were composed by renowned film director Saiful Islam Mannu, whose work deftly intertwines the emotional struggles of migrant life with the depth and warmth of traditional folk sounds. In his words, the song encapsulates “the push and pull of life abroad, the silent tears on a video call with one’s mother, and the yearning for the simplicity of rural mornings amid the chaos of a bustling city.”

Musical Arrangement and Contributors

The track features an ensemble of skilled musicians whose performances add texture and emotion:

The music arrangement was handled collaboratively by Robin Sarkar and Iq Majumder Isti, while the music video was directed by Raisul Islam Anik.

The lead artist reflected on the song’s emotional resonance, stating, “‘Bidesh Amar Bhalobashe Na, Ma’ is more than just a song; it is the story of a solitary evening in a migrant’s life, the quiet tears wiped away during a video call, and the longing for a village morning filled with the scent of fallen Shiuli flowers. It speaks to the hearts of those living far from home.”

Since its release, the song has struck a chord among audiences, particularly migrant communities and their families, who see their own experiences reflected in its lyrics. It has quickly become both a cultural tribute and an emotional outlet, showcasing the power of music to convey the unspoken struggles of those working far from home.

Through this release, Baula not only celebrates the resilience of migrant workers but also reminds listeners of the profound emotional bonds that tie them to their families and homeland.