Panjabi MC is a pseudonym of Rajinder Rai (b. 1971, Coventry, UK), who was … Read Full Bio ↴Panjabi MC is a pseudonym of Rajinder Rai (b. 1971, Coventry, UK), who was discovered by Nachural's Ninder Johal, thanks to his remix of Kuldip Manak's "Ghariah Milan De". His first 12" "Rootz" was very controversial because PMC used a religious Muslim song in it. The 12" was taken off the market; but PMC continued making records. "Mundian To Bach Ke" ("Beware of the Boys") (1998; first appeared on the CD Legalised) which mixed the theme of the TV series Knight Rider (already used before by Timbaland & Magoo) with bhangra was already an underground hit when German record company Superstar Recordings - thanks to downloads on the Internet - picked it up and it became a major hit in Germany and then in the rest of Europe, including the UK. A version of this recording featured the famous rapper Jay-Z. Panjabi MC is one of the pioneers of Asian/rap/dance fusion. He is very versatile, using not only hip hop but also styles like jungle (on "100% Proof"), UK garage (on "Desi"), reggae (on "Desi"). His songs have been heard around the world, from the US to Europe to Africa to South America.His most popular song ever has been "Mundian to Bachke Rahin" and has vocals by Labh Janjua.

Jugni
Panjabi MC Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Jugni ja varhi Punjab
Jithe parhe likhe bekaar
Vech Zameena Javan Bahar
Uthey maran jhadu
Uthey gori len viyah
Pichay tabbar take rah
Veer meriya ve Jugni kehndi aa
Ek Navin Udari Lehndi aa

(Jugni blazed into Punjab
Where the educated are unemployed
Selling off their lands and going abroad
Where they sweep floors
Where they marry a white girl
Back home the family awaits their return
Jugni says, My brother
Today I soar on a new flight)

Jugni ja varhi Bambai
Jithe saunda koi nahin
Sab labhan cheez koi
Kisse kisse nu labhe
Jinnu labhe oh bechain
Matthe vat fir usdey painh
Veer meriya ve Jugni kehndi aa
Ik saah sabar da laindi aa

(Jugni blazed into Bombay
Where no one ever sleeps
And everyone is looking for something
Very few ever find it
Those who find it lose their calm
Lines appear on their forehead

Jugni says, My brother
I heave a sigh of contentment)

Overall Meaning

Jugni is a song by Panjabi MC that explores the state of Punjab and Bombay through their cultural, social, and economic conditions. The lyrics begin with Jugni, a symbol for Punjab and its people, blazing into the state, highlighting the plight of the educated, who are unable to find work, leading to the selling of their land possessions, and seeking a new life abroad. The use of the phrase "parhe likhe bekaar" indicates that education, which is believed to be the key to prosperity, has failed for the people of Punjab. Instead, the struggle for survival has forced them to take up menial jobs, which is reflected in the line "uthay maran jhadu" meaning "they sweep floors."

Jugni then addresses the issue of interracial marriages, specifically Punjabi men marrying white women, which has become a trend that's closely associated with economic migration. The phrase "uthay gori len viyah" suggests that the white women are seen as a commodity that can help them improve their social and financial status. However, the song highlights the difficulties that come with such marriages, as their families back home eagerly await their return, with the line "pichay tabbar take rah."

The song then shifts to Bombay, where Jugni is now present. It highlights the hustle and bustle of the city and the dreams and aspirations of its people, who are constantly seeking something better. The lyrics suggest that despite the abundance of resources and opportunities available in Bombay, very few ever succeed in finding true fulfillment, leading to a sense of restlessness and unease. The line "matthe vat fir usdey painh" highlights the visible effects of their struggles, creating lines on their foreheads.

Overall, the song Jugni provides a commentary on the socio-economic conditions of Punjab and Bombay, highlighting the challenges and struggles that the people face, despite the abundance of resources and opportunities.

Line by Line Meaning

Jugni ja varhi Punjab
Jugni traveled to Punjab

Jithe parhe likhe bekaar
Where educated people are unemployed

Vech Zameena Javan Bahar
They sell their lands and go abroad

Uthey maran jhadu
Where they sweep floors

Uthey gori len viyah
Where they marry white girls

Pichay tabbar take rah
Their families wait for their return

Veer meriya ve Jugni kehndi aa
Jugni says, my brother

Ek Navin Udari Lehndi aa
Today I soar on a new flight

Jugni ja varhi Bambai
Jugni traveled to Bombay

Jithe saunda koi nahin
Where no one ever sleeps

Sab labhan cheez koi
Everyone is looking for something