New translation of Tagore’s song lyrics

Oi Ashe Oi Oti Bhairob HorosheThere, there they come— monsoonal clouds— Exhilarating, awesome, moisture-laden, Fragrant, earth-soaked, dense, rejuvenated Dark-hued, somber, glorious— ready to burst!   Their deep rumblings quiver dark-blue forests Tense peacocks out on strolls cry out The whole world is thrilled, overwhelmed. Intense, amazing—monsoon is on its way!   Where are you, oh young and old belles of pathways? Where are you, oh brides of darting, fluttering eyes? Where are you, oh female gardeners and dear nursemaids? Where could you be, oh women all set for assignations? Come to deep forest shades and yield to deep blue desire Let honeyed tongues peal in gorgeous dances Bring forth the mind-entrancing veena! Where are you love-sick ones, all you seekers of love?   Bring forth the tom-tom, the tabor, the melodious pipe Blow the conch and ululate, oh you brides all— Dearly loved partaker of all our delight, Monsoon, you’re here, flaming passions anew. With brooding eyes, on the birch leaves of arbors You compose brand new tunes, Based on the cloud-induced Meghmallar raga. Monsoon is here, flaming passions anew! Apply the fragrance of the ketoki flower on your hair String Korobi flowers and wear them around your slender waist Lay out Kadamba pollens on your bed Daub your eyes with soothing eye-salves! Clink your twin bracelets rhythmically Make your peacocks dance in tune Weave a warm welcome Lay out Kadamba pollens on your bed!   Monsoon is here; rejuvenated monsoon is here! Suffusing the sky and filling the world with desire The wind susurrates through forests, making trees sway Plants and creepers lilt rhythmically to its tune, Poets of all ages meet in the heavens Making the heady wind resonate tunefully With lyrics that transcend time Till hundreds of melodies resound in forest paths.  Srabaner dharer moto Let your melody stream like sraban’s showers on me Let it pour over my face and my body, Let your melody stream with the light from the east at dawn over my eyes; let it pour into my soul In the thick of night like thundershowers, Night and day in my lifetime, in joy or in sorrow, Let your melody pour over my face and body. Let your monsoonal breeze revive any branch in me which hasn’t been bearing any flower or fruit at all. Let your melody stream over layer after layer Of all that is worn out, torn, or famished in me. Like sraban’s showers, night and day in my lifetime, in my arid patches or when I feel denuded, Let your melody pour over my face and body!  Aaj Kichutoai jai no moner bhar (446)My depression will just not go away today. Alas, it is getting much worse on this cloud-covered day. I keep thinking: will she come or has she left already? I feel saddened by what she hasn’t been able to say. Every now and then the moist wind keeps gusting endlessly; The very sky seems to be calling out to her time and again. The restless wind too sighs, telling me she won’t be coming. Has she left sadly forever because of our failed meeting?  Aaj Srabaner amantroneAt Sravan’s invitation this day The door keeps shaking every now and then, As if all familial ties will be blown away! In its courtyard, the earth dances rapturously Its dress’s borders keep blowing this or that way. An age-old call for renewal stirs my mind And strikes at the very abode of my soul The east wind wafts my thoughts across the sky, Lifting it to some ethereal, eternal realm!  Aaji Jhorer Raate This is the stormy night of your assignation, My soul’s inmate, my friend! In disquiet, the sky sheds tears; sleep won’t come to me— Opening the door, beloved, I look out repeatedly. Outside, I can see nothing I keep thinking--where could you be? Are you far away—crossing a river or beside a dense forest? Are you traversing some thick dark stretch of land?