“Talaash” by Junoon

This is an English translation of lyrics of a famous Pakistani rock song so that more people, who don’t speak the language, may also enjoy it. The original song is from 1992, available on Spotify and YouTube. Here is a more recent and one of the decent covers, also worth checking out.

Cues are added in parentheses “()” to help readers align the translation while listening to the original song. An attempt has been made to capture the theme and message of the lyrics, in contrast to translating literally.

Any feedback is more than welcome. Enjoy!

(Taptee dhoop…)
Under the scorching sun
’Tis the search for shade
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(Tasub ki…)
When the dust of discrimination settles
Identity meets us
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(Taptee dhoop…)
Under the scorching sun
Searching shade

(Tasub ki…)
When the dust of discrimination settles
Identity meets us

(Choomay…)
If we kiss this land
We’ll reach the sky
If we ponder on this now
Hard times will pass by

[News]
Campus life disrupted due to conflicts between students
Prime minister expresses deep sadness and grief

(Nafraton…)
Surrounded by hatred,
Clawing own corpse
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(Jhoot…)
On lies, those who fed
Sad, they are today
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(Nafraton…)
Surrounded by hatred,
Clawing own corpse

(Jhoot…)
On lies, those who fed
Sad, they are today

(Choomay…)
If we kiss this land
We’ll reach the sky
If we ponder on this now
Hard times will pass by

[News]
We look at the international news, the Pakistani premiere Mr. Bhutto has been hanged
The President’s airplane has exploded in mid air
News from India, Mr. Rajiv Gandhi has been assassinated
Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi has been shot dead

(Zehnee…) [x6]
The mental slavery
Wish, we are freed from it

(Choomay…)
If we kiss this land
We’ll reach the sky
If we ponder on this now
Hard times will pass by