This page features a video of the poem “Lineage”, 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
My grandmothers were strong,
They followed ploughs and bent to toil
They moved through fields sowing seed.
They touched earth and grain grew.
They were full of sturdiness and singing.
My grandmothers were strong.
My grandmothers were full of memories
Smelling of soap and onions and wet clay
With veins roughly over quick hands.
They have many clean words to say.
Why am I not as they?
They followed ploughs and bent to toil
They moved through fields sowing seed.
They touched earth and grain grew.
They were full of sturdiness and singing.
My grandmothers were strong.
My grandmothers were full of memories
Smelling of soap and onions and wet clay
With veins roughly over quick hands.
They have many clean words to say.
Why am I not as they?
Summary
The poem praises the strength and hard work of the speaker’s
grandmothers. They worked behind ploughs, sowed seeds, touched the
earth, and helped crops grow. Their hands were rough, their lives were
filled with memories, and they worked with both strength and song. Their
everyday smells of soap, onions, and wet clay make their memories vivid.
The speaker finally wonders why she is not as strong and sturdy as they
were.
grandmothers. They worked behind ploughs, sowed seeds, touched the
earth, and helped crops grow. Their hands were rough, their lives were
filled with memories, and they worked with both strength and song. Their
everyday smells of soap, onions, and wet clay make their memories vivid.
The speaker finally wonders why she is not as strong and sturdy as they
were.
Author