Room Number 704

This is a rendition of Tapta's Manipuri song, 704 Room. Check the lyrics on Tapta Fan Club's blog.

I was walkin' near the cinema
When I came 'cross that movie poster
When I saw it's those obscene type
That it's a double show, a two-a-day show
I halted, wondering should I watch it
But did I have the money?—I checked my pocket

It was when I saw my ex-partner
That gal from room number 704
It was when I was almost surprised to death
It almost killed me!

I took a piece of kwa & a cigarette
—"How have you been
Babe, hope all's well with you; have a kwa."
So shy was she, she smiled and said
—"Yeah, your gal's been good, man
Yeah, everything's been good."

See the two synching hearts, the spark s'been so sure
There was something 'tween the hearts
See a broken man have I been with empty pockets

There was something between our eyes
But the time's never been good

See the situation, see the time's never been good
See the broken man have I been with empty pockets
And she said
—"Are you going back home? It's late. Please don't,
Have you forgotten me; man, it's been so long?

There was something between our eyes
But the time's never been good
See the situation, see the time's never been good
See the broken man have I been with empty pockets;

So embarrassing I stepped forward without even saying goodbye
It was all wrong, 'all aye'never-solving equation
And I kept moving
And I can still hear her
"Are you leaving, babe;
Have you really forgotten me;
You have mistaken me?"

And her voice has been still echoing.

TRANSLATION NOTE

~ Tapta is a legendary singer, based in Manipur. He has single-handedly changed the entire landscape of Manipuri modern music with his inimitable singing style, songs of social relevance and political incorrectness. He is perhaps the only singer in this part of the world to record concept albums and more than a couple of times he has done it.

~ Apparently, in the song, the crooner's ex-partner is a prostitute, but he only hints it. This kind of theme's another Tapta's specialty.

The fractured Manipuri society is one of a dilemma. We are conservative but we love sex—perhaps because it is so good! We are all protesters of death but will never mind killing in the name of the land, the power and the money. Assholes. It is in this backdrop, this song with a stomping 4/4 beat is so good. We are too timid to talk about indecency and shits because we are civilised but Tapta sings to fuck with all the sensibilities.

~Kwa is a tobacco stuff prepared with betel leaves and areca nuts, flavored with slaked lime. It is commonly known in the Indian subcontinent as paan. Sometimes it is made not with the tobaccos, but with mukhwas and various sweeteners.