“Pu Khai Kai Long” Song: An Analysis of Psychological and Aesthetic Dimensions

Abstract

The song, Pu Kai Kai Long, is an immortal Thai country song, which will be 52 years old in 2024. The lyrics were composed by Chalong Phusawang and first performed by Chaitong Songphon in 1972. The song narrates the story of a woman who leaves her former lover for someone of higher social status. However, after becoming pregnant and abandoned by her new lover, she returns to her former lover, only to face rejection and ridicule. This significant element of mockery and irony is a core theme of the song. The song gained early popularity and remains beloved as one of Thailand’s most enduring country songs. It was celebrated as an outstanding country song during the half-century anniversary of Thai country music in 1991 and has sincebeen covered by nine other singers. Beyond its musical appeal, the song has also been embraced in other entertainment forms, including village dances, student cheerleading routines, freshman welcome events, and as a travel entertainment song. The author of this article observes: The enduring fame and popularity of the song for over half a century stem from its melody and musical composition, which evoke a sense of entertainment and social participation. Most listeners and participants do not focus on the song's lyrics of ridicule or irony, nor use the song to mock or criticize women who have faced romantic missteps. The song’s content highlights both personal ridicule and the irony of fate, as the woman’s return occurs when she is no longer in a condition to rekindle love with her former partner.