This page features a video of the poem “Great Grandmother”, prescribed under the Karnataka State Syllabus for 5th Standard English First Language. Along with its summary in three languages and transliterated songs. It serves as a valuable learning resource for students and parents, with each song accompanied by its respective lyrics for easy sing-along. The synchronized lyrics help learners follow and recite the song as it progresses, making memorization and learning by heart easier, more effective, and enjoyable.
Lyrics
English
She looks out at me,
From the yellowing photograph
Misted over by time.
It is a frank and serious look.
Her eyes are stern
But they can laugh too.
Her hair is pulled back
Tightly in a bun,
And on her black dress
She wears no jewelry.
I never knew her,
Yet I recognize myself in her
Three generations later.
May my great grandchildren
Feel as close to me
As I now do to her.
From the yellowing photograph
Misted over by time.
It is a frank and serious look.
Her eyes are stern
But they can laugh too.
Her hair is pulled back
Tightly in a bun,
And on her black dress
She wears no jewelry.
I never knew her,
Yet I recognize myself in her
Three generations later.
May my great grandchildren
Feel as close to me
As I now do to her.
Summary
The speaker looks at an old photograph of a woman whose image has faded
with time. Her serious expression, stern eyes, tightly tied hair, and
simple black dress are carefully noticed. Although the speaker never
knew her personally, a strong sense of recognition connects them across
three generations. The poem reflects on family resemblance and the
invisible bond between generations. It ends with a tender hope that
future descendants will feel equally close to the speaker.
with time. Her serious expression, stern eyes, tightly tied hair, and
simple black dress are carefully noticed. Although the speaker never
knew her personally, a strong sense of recognition connects them across
three generations. The poem reflects on family resemblance and the
invisible bond between generations. It ends with a tender hope that
future descendants will feel equally close to the speaker.
Author