Ami Chini Go Chini Lyrics : The soulful strains of “Ami Chini Go Chini” have captivated listeners for over a century. More than just a song, it is a profound philosophical inquiry set to music, a gem from the boundless treasure trove of Rabindranath Tagore’s creations. If you’ve found yourself searching for the “Ami Chini Go Chini lyrics,” drawn by its haunting melody, you are about to embark on a beautiful journey into the heart of Bengali music and poetry.
This article is your ultimate guide. We will not only provide the complete lyrics in Bengali and a faithful English translation but also unravel the layers of meaning, explore the historical context of the Rabindra Sangeet it belongs to, and understand why this particular song continues to resonate so deeply with millions today.
The Eternal Composer: Rabindranath Tagore and Rabindra Sangeet
To understand “Ami Chini Go Chini,” one must first appreciate the genius behind it. Rabindranath Tagore was not just a poet; he was a polymath—a writer, philosopher, musician, and painter who became the first non-European to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913. His most significant contribution to music is the vast collection of songs known as Rabindra Sangeet.
Comprising over 2,000 songs, Rabindra Sangeet is a genre where Tagore wrote both the music and the lyrics. These songs are the lifeblood of Bengali culture, expressing the entire spectrum of human emotion—from the joy of love and the beauty of nature to the deepest spiritual yearnings. They are not merely for entertainment; they are a medium for philosophical exploration and spiritual connection.
“Ami Chini Go Chini” is a quintessential example of this. It belongs to a category of Rabindra Sangeet that deals with Bhakti (devotion) and the soul’s quest for the divine.
Ami Chini Go Chini Lyrics: Bengali and Roman Transliteration
Let’s begin with the complete text of the song. For those who can read Bengali, the original script carries the authentic flavor. For others, we have provided a Roman transliteration to help with pronunciation.
Original Bengali Lyrics:
আমি চিনি গো চিনি তোমারে ওগো বিদেশিনী
আমি চিনি গো চিনি তোমারে ওগো বিদেশিনী৷
সঙ্গীত-সুধা-রসে ভরেছি এ দিশি
তবু কেন অচিনা রয়েছিসি
ওগো বিদেশিনী ৷
তবু কেন অচিনা রয়েছিসি
ওগো বিদেশিনী ৷
চরণ-পরশ-সুধা-বরষনে
জীবন করেছি মধুময়
ওগো বিদেশিনী ৷
তবু কেন রয়েছিসি রয়েছিসি
দূরের পরিহাসিনী
ওগো বিদেশিনী ৷
Roman Transliteration:
Ami chini go chini tomare ogo bideshini
Ami chini go chini tomare ogo bideshini
Shongit-shudha-rashe bhorechhi e dishi
Tobu keno ochina royechhishi
Ogo bideshini
Tobu keno ochina royechhishi
Ogo bideshini
Choron-porosh-shudha-borshone
Jibon korechhi modhumoy
Ogo bideshini
Tobu keno royechhishi royechhishi
Durer porihashini
Ogo bideshini
Ami Chini Go Chini Lyrics: English Translation and Word-by-Word Meaning
A direct translation can sometimes lose the poetic nuance, but a faithful one helps unlock the song’s core meaning. Here is a line-by-line translation that aims to preserve the song’s emotional and spiritual essence.
English Translation:
I know you, oh I know you, oh you stranger from a foreign land!
I know you, oh I know you, oh you stranger from a foreign land!
I have filled this region with the nectar of music,
Yet why do you remain unknown?
Oh, you stranger!
Yet why do you remain unknown?
Oh, you stranger!
With the shower of nectar from the touch of your feet,
I have made my life full of honey,
Oh, you stranger!
Yet why do you remain, why do you remain,
A teaser from afar?
Oh, you stranger!
Deep Dive into the Key Phrases:
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“Ami Chini Go Chini Tomare”: The repetition of “I know you” is emphatic. It’s not a statement of doubt, but a profound, intuitive recognition from the depths of the soul.
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“Ogo Bideshini”: This is the central metaphor. “Bideshini” means a female foreigner or stranger. Here, it symbolizes the Divine, the beloved, or the higher self that feels both intimately familiar and eternally elusive.
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“Shongit-shudha-rashe”: “Shongit” is music, “shudha” is nectar, and “rashe” is juice or essence. Tagore is saying he has filled his entire world (“e dishi”) with the intoxicating essence of divine music in his attempt to reach her.
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“Choron-porosh-shudha-borshone”: “Choron” is feet, “porosh” is touch. The touch of the stranger’s feet showers the devotee with nectar, a classic motif in devotion poetry, symbolizing grace and blessing.
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“Durer Porihashini”: “Dur” means far, and “porihashini” means one who teases or mocks. This captures the agony of the seeker—the divine feels so close, its grace so tangible, yet it remains just out of reach, a beautiful, teasing mystery.
The Profound Meaning and Philosophical Interpretation
On the surface, “Ami Chini Go Chini” reads like a love song to a mysterious, elusive woman. However, in the tradition of Bhakti and Sufi poetry, the human beloved is often a metaphor for the Divine. This song is a powerful expression of the soul’s relationship with God.
1. The Paradox of the Known Stranger:
The core of the song is a beautiful paradox: “I know you, oh stranger.” The soul, in its deepest essence, recognizes its source. There is an innate, ancient familiarity with the divine. Yet, in the realm of human experience and intellect, the divine remains a “Bideshini”—a stranger from a foreign, unknowable land. This captures the simultaneous experience of immanence (God within) and transcendence (God beyond).
2. The Seeker’s Endeavor and Frustration:
The singer declares that he has filled his world with music, with art, with devotion (“Shongit-shudha-rashe”). This represents all the spiritual practices, prayers, and creative efforts a seeker undertakes to connect with the divine. Despite this sincere effort, the ultimate connection feels incomplete. The question “Tobu keno ochina royechhishi?” (Yet why do you remain unknown?) is a cry of loving frustration shared by mystics across traditions.
3. The Experience of Grace and the Lingering Distance:
In a moment of profound confession, the singer acknowledges that his very life has been sweetened and made beautiful by the grace (“Choron-porosh-shudha”) of the divine. He has felt the presence. Yet, the full union hasn’t occurred. The divine is a “Durer Porihashini”—a teaser from afar. This isn’t a bitter accusation but a poignant acknowledgment of the infinite gap between the finite human and the infinite divine. The longing itself becomes a form of worship.
Musical Composition and Place in Rabindra Sangeet
The music of “Ami Chini Go Chini” is as integral to its meaning as the lyrics. Composed in a Raga-based structure, the melody is contemplative and melancholic, perfectly mirroring the feeling of divine longing.
While not bound to a single classical raga in a strict sense, its mood is often associated with the pathos of Raga Behag or the serene devotion of Raga Yaman. The slow tempo, the pauses, and the rising and falling phrases give the singer and listener space to immerse themselves in the emotion of each word.
The song is typically performed with minimal instrumentation—often just a harmonium or esraj and a tabla—ensuring that the focus remains on the power of the poetry and the vocal expression.
Cultural Impact and Enduring Legacy
“Ami Chini Go Chini” has transcended its origins to become a cultural icon. It is a staple in the repertoire of every Rabindra Sangeet artist, from legendary figures like Kanika Bandopadhyay and Suchitra Mitra to contemporary singers.
Its appeal lies in its universal theme. While rooted in Hindu spiritual thought, the feeling of recognizing yet not fully grasping a profound truth—be it love, destiny, God, or one’s own potential—is a universal human experience.
The song is frequently featured in:
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Bengali Weddings: Symbolizing the soul’s search for its beloved.
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Cultural Programs: As a centerpiece of Tagore celebrations.
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Personal Listening: For moments of introspection and solace.
Its timeless quality ensures that new generations continue to discover and be moved by its profound beauty.
Learning to Appreciate and Sing Rabindra Sangeet
If this exploration of “Ami Chini Go Chini” has ignited an interest in Rabindra Sangeet, you are in for a lifelong journey of discovery. Here’s how you can delve deeper:
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Listen Actively: Start with the classic renditions by maestros. Listen not just to the melody, but to the pronunciation and the emotion they pour into each syllable.
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Understand the Lyrics: As we’ve done here, always try to understand the meaning of the song. The lyrics are the soul of Rabindra Sangeet.
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Find a Guru: The nuances of this genre are traditionally passed down from teacher to student. Finding a good tutor is the best way to learn the correct notation, style, and expression.
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Feel the Emotion: Technical perfection is less important than bhava (emotion). To sing Rabindra Sangeet is to live the song.
For those looking for the musical notation (swaralipi) to practice, you can find authoritative collections published by Sangeet Bhavan and Visva-Bharati University, the institution founded by Tagore himself. You can explore their publications here: Visva-Bharati Official Website
Conclusion: The Unending Quest
“Ami Chini Go Chini” is more than a set of lyrics; it is a map of the human heart’s spiritual landscape. It acknowledges the moments of divine connection that sweeten our existence while being honest about the perpetual longing that defines the seeker’s path. In asking “Why do you remain a stranger?” Tagore gives voice to the most profound and beautiful quest of all—the quest to truly know the unknown, to bring the distant beloved home.
This eternal dialogue between the soul and the supreme is what makes these lyrics, written so long ago, feel as fresh and relevant as ever. The next time you listen to this song, may you not only hear the melody but also feel the echo of its timeless question within your own heart.
