The Unsung Heroes: Why Punjabi Lyricists Deserve More Recognition

Quick — name the lyricist of your favorite Punjabi song. If you can't, you're not alone. In an industry that celebrates singers and producers, the lyricists — the people who actually write the words that move millions — often remain in the shadows.

The Craft of Punjabi Lyric Writing

Writing Punjabi lyrics is a specialized craft that requires:

• Mastery of Punjabi linguistic registers — formal, colloquial, rural dialects
• Knowledge of poetic forms — tukbandi, mahiya, ghazal structures
• Cultural fluency — understanding references, proverbs, and allusions that resonate with Punjabi audiences
• Musical sensitivity — words that flow with the melody, syllables that land on beats
• Commercial instinct — creating hooks that embed themselves in listeners' minds

Why Words Matter

Research on lyrics and memory by Sandra Trehub at the University of Toronto shows that songs with meaningful lyrics are remembered longer and trigger stronger emotional responses than instrumental music. The words aren't decoration — they're the primary vehicle for emotional connection.

A Sidhu Moose Wala track connects because of the words: the stories, the social commentary, the raw emotional truth. A producer provides the sonic environment, but the lyricist provides the meaning.

The Credit Problem

In the Punjabi music industry, lyricists are often credited in small text — if at all. Many listeners don't know who wrote their favorite songs. This has economic implications too: lyricists typically receive a fraction of the revenue their songs generate compared to performers.

A Call for Recognition

Platforms, labels, and fans can all play a role in elevating lyricists. Credits should be prominent. Lyricists should be interviewed and profiled. The next time you hear a line that gives you chills, find out who wrote it — and give them the recognition they deserve.

Great music starts with great words. Discover the songs on ApnaMusic.