Singh Song! (Daljit Nagra)

Singh Song! by Daljit Nagra is a contemporary poem that humorously explores the theme of love within the context of cultural identity and tradition. The poem is written in the voice of a young Sikh shopkeeper in London who expresses his love and longing for his wife while managing his shop. Through the use of colloquial language, playful wordplay, and cultural references, Nagra captures the speaker's unique perspective on love, relationships, and the challenges of assimilation in a new environment. You can read the poem below and find analysis further down the page.

Singh Song! by Daljit Nagra

I run just one ov my daddy's shops 
from 9 o'clock to 9 o'clock 
and he vunt me not to hav a break 
but ven nobody in, I do di lock –

cos up di stairs is my newly bride 
vee share in chapatti 
vee share in di chutney 
after vee hav made luv 
like vee rowing through Putney –

Ven I return vid my pinnie untied 
di shoppers always point and cry: 
Hey Singh, ver yoo bin? 
Yor lemons are limes 
yor bananas are plantain, 
dis dirty little floor need a little bit of mop 
in di worst Indian shop 
on di whole Indian road -

Above my head high heel tap di ground 
as my vife on di web is playing wid di mouse 
ven she netting two cat on her Sikh lover site 
she book dem for di meat at di cheese ov her price –

my bride 
she effing at my mum 
in all di colours of Punjabi 
den stumble like a drunk 
making fun at my daddy

my bride 
tiny eyes ov a gun 
and di tummy ov a teddy

my bride 
she hav a red crew cut 
and she wear a Tartan sari 
a donkey jacket and some pumps 
on di squeak ov di girls dat are pinching my sweeties –

Ven I return from di tickle ov my bride 
di shoppers always point and cry: 
Hey Singh, ver yoo bin? 
Di milk is out ov date 
and di bread is alvays stale, 
di tings yoo hav on offer yoo hav never got in stock 
in di worst Indian shop 
on di whole Indian road –

Late in di midnight hour 
ven yoo shoppers are wrap up quiet 
ven di precinct is concrete-cool 
vee cum down whispering stairs 
and sit on my silver stool, 
from behind di chocolate bars 

vee stare past di half-price window signs 
at di beaches ov di UK in di brightey moon –

from di stool each night she say, 
How much do yoo charge for dat moon baby? 

from di stool each night I say, 
Is half di cost ov yoo baby, 

from di stool each night she say, 
How much does dat come to baby?

from di stool each night I say, 
Is priceless baby -

Structure:

The poem consists of seven stanzas of varying lengths, each with a mix of end-stopped lines and enjambment.

Nagra employs a conversational tone and uses colloquial language and dialect, reflecting the speaker's voice and cultural background.

The poem concludes with a final stanza that emphasises the speaker's devotion to his wife and their shared cultural heritage.

Analysis:

Title: The title "Singh Song!" immediately signals the playful and rhythmic nature of the poem. "Singh" is a common surname among Sikh men, and the repetition of "Singh" in the title creates a sense of rhythm and musicality.

Voice and Language: Nagra uses colloquial language, wordplay, and dialect to capture the speaker's voice and cultural identity. The speaker's distinctive accent and linguistic quirks add humour and authenticity to the poem, while also highlighting the challenges of assimilation and adaptation in a new environment.

Humour and Irony: The poem is characterised by its humour and irony, as the speaker navigates the dual roles of shopkeeper and lover. The speaker's comical observations and playful wordplay provide insight into his character and worldview, while also offering a light hearted commentary on love and relationships.

Cultural Identity and Tradition: Nagra explores the theme of cultural identity and tradition within the context of the speaker's experience as a Sikh immigrant in London. The poem celebrates the speaker's pride in his cultural heritage, as evidenced by his affectionate references to Punjabi food, music, and customs.

Love and Devotion: At its core, "Singh Song!" is a love poem that celebrates the speaker's deep affection and devotion to his wife. Despite the challenges and frustrations of daily life, the speaker finds solace and joy in his relationship, expressing his love through playful banter and affectionate gestures.

Themes:

Love and Relationships: The poem explores the theme of love within the context of cultural identity and tradition, celebrating the speaker's affectionate and playful relationship with his wife.

Cultural Identity and Tradition: Nagra examines the theme of cultural identity and tradition, highlighting the speaker's pride in his Sikh heritage and his efforts to maintain his cultural identity in a new environment.

Humour and Irony: The poem is characterised by its humour and irony, as the speaker navigates the challenges of assimilation and adaptation while maintaining his sense of humour and perspective on life.

Key Quotes:

"Ve half share. yoo do di cookin./me do di cleva."

"Di milk less, di milk less coffee."

"Di doov 2 swings fro back to front/back to fro"

"Heer, look, my sweaty you - open di shop"

Conclusion:

Singh Song! by Daljit Nagra is a humorous and affectionate exploration of love, cultural identity, and tradition. Through the distinctive voice of the speaker, Nagra celebrates the joys and challenges of love within the context of Sikh immigrant life in London. The poem invites readers to reflect on the complexities of cultural identity and the enduring power of love and devotion in the face of adversity.

You can find analysis of all the Love and Relationships Poetry Anthology Poems here.