Nami danam che manzil bood shab jaahe ki man boodam;
Baharsu raqs-e bismil bood shab jaahe ki man boodam.
Pari paikar nigaar-e sarw qadde laala rukhsaare;
Sarapa aafat-e dil bood shab jaay ki man boodam.
Khuda khud meer-e majlis bood andar laa-makaan Khusrau;
Muhammad shamm-e mehfil bood shab jaay ki man boodam.
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Overall Meaning:
In Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s song, “Nami Danam Chi Manzil Bud Shab Jai Ki Man Budam,” the lyrics showcase the journey of a man questioning his existence and purpose in life. The opening line, “Nami danam che manzil bood shab jaahe ki man boodam,” translates to, “I wonder what my destination was on that night when I was.” The man is questioning what his destiny was and what the purpose of his existence is in the world.
The second line, “Baharsu raqs-e bismil bood shab jaahe ki man boodam,” further solidifies the man's search for meaning, as he asks if his life is just like the dance of Spring that is fated to be fruitless. The third line, “Pari paikar nigaar-e sarw qadde laala rukhsaare,” speaks to the man's vision of a beautiful and enchanting world. However, even in this enchanting world, he still feels lost and lonely.
The final two lines bring in religious themes and reference the Prophet Muhammad and his impact on the world. “Khuda khud meer-e majlis bood andar laa-makaan Khusrau; Muhammad shamm-e mehfil bood shab jaay ki man boodam,” translates to, “God himself was the king of the gathering in the realm of Khusrau, while Muhammad was the light of the gathering on that night when I was.” These lines highlight the man's spiritual connection and search for perspective about his place in the world.
Overall, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s “Nami Danam Chi Manzil Bud Shab Jai Ki Man Budam” speaks to the human experience and the search for purpose and meaning in life that we all face.
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