“Taek-san-san-sen”, an Empty Meaning Word in the Song “Ban-Koet-Muang-Non” (Homeland Song) by Kaew Atchariyakul

Abstract

          “Ban Koet Muang Non” (Homeland), a contemporary Thai patriotic song composed by Eua Soonthornsanon with lyrics written by Kaew Atchariyakul in 1944, was one of the compositions launched on behalf of the Public Relations Department. The melody is concise, provocative, and gracious lyrics, have thus enhanced the song to gain popularity all along. In October 2021, this song has been re-arranged, recorded and published by a group of contemporary artists. It appears, however, that there is a discrepancy in the lyrics between the words “taek-chan-san-sen” and “taek-san-san-sen”.

          There was no primary evidence to prove the accuracy of how Kaew Atchariyakul wrote it. From the available audio data as of 1952 onwards, it showed that both words were used in the song.

           The word “taek-chan-san-sen” bears a meaning, while “taek-san-san-sen” has none in the dictionary. Nevertheless, the audio data of the singers at an early time recorded from a live performance on various occasions clearly deployed “taek-chan-san-sen”, as well as many subsequent singers using the similar oral technique.

          As long as there is no verification of the authorship of such skepticism, it is, therefore, the role of the singers to make their choice – as to which word they deem appropriate to handle. To carry on by virtue of the dictionary or from the past versions are both acceptable.