"Peera Ho" became quite a sensation when it hit the pop music scene back in the early 90's.
Khalid Anum (whose version I have followed in the recording below) isn't the first person to have sung this sufi kalam, but his rendition did bring this kalam to the happening music circle. The masses aren't usually aware of the sufi kalam being read in the sufi sittings, or at shrines, so his take was most definitely a welcomed addition - and to my knowledge, the most popular version of this kalam, too.
Since the Punjabi language comes in a rich variety of dialects, the verse changes every time with a slight variation of the dialect. I have tried to adhere to the one used popularly, but I would appreciate any suggestions that make across.
Merey hath kee reetiyan tootiyan
Mera Peer sach tey mein jhootiyan
The fate in my hands is a cluster of cracks
My Beloved is the sole truth, I -the false whacks
Shaana Waleya Peera
My Beloved of the Mighty grace
Peera ho Peera
My Beloved, My Love!
Peera ho Peera
meri dachi dey gal wich taliyan
meri dachi dey gal wich taliyan
vey mein Peer manwan chaliyan
Around my camel's neck,
as the caravan bells ring
I embark to seek His fling
Shaana Waleya Peera
My Beloved of the Mighty grace
Peera ho Peera
The Beloved, the Love!
Peera ho Peera merey haath katora hai maangaan da
merey haath katora hai maangaan da
Mera Peer wali inaa rawaan da
My hands make a beggar's bowl
seeking alms
My Love is the Lord of this path
Shaana waleya Peera
My Beloved of the Mighty Order
Peera Ho Peera
The only Love, the Beloved!
Peera Ho Peera
Meri dachi de gal wich taliyan
Meri dachi de gal wich taliyan
vey mein Peer manwan chaliyan
Around my camel's neck,
as the caravan bells ring
I embark to seek His fling
Shaana Waleya Peera
The Beloved of the Mighty grace
Peera ho Peera
The Beloved, the sole Love!
Peera ho Peera
Poet: Shah Hussain (as mentioned in the comments below)
Inapt translation: mine.
Today, as I surfed through a couple of versions of this poetry, nostalgia hit so strong that it had to be accommodated somehow... :)
I would really appreciate your patience in bearing the untouched-up crudeness ....
7 comments:
Nice. next time feel you are alone in a middle of a desert and trying to reach someone for help. :)
Thats kind of you meer...
Though, now since the nostalgic wave has pretty much ebbed, I realize I am NOT AT ALL proud of sharing this here :|
Hey! You did a great job translating btw, and the poet is Shah Hussain, a sixteenth century towering beacon of wisdom who's poetry actually inspired Akbar the Great Moghul in his egalitarian policies. I get teary eyed each time I listen to this, or read it. Its like going back 5 centuries, in the middle of the wilderness that stretched from multan northwards up to lahore, with cris-crossing rivers, serenity, land laden with the fresh prints of conquerors past, the air heavy with the sounds of clanking swords of the western invaders and the eastern defenders. I get goosebumps imagining the devotion Shah Hussain had to his "Peer," Hazrat Ali A.H, with whom he claimed a direct spiritual connection. Mera peer wali enna rahwaan da, this phrase encompasses the blind trust people bore in their heart towards their spiritual leaders at that time. Call it medieval or archaic, superstitious or ignorant, but I find it to be one of the most inspirational feats of the strength that faith can evoke within humans regardless of their time, intellect or capacity. Thanks for the translation again, God bless :)
Sal,
Couldn't agree more! I must say that your insightful contribution has graced the post! Many thanks for mentioning the poet, it brings forth the complete picture now.
Am obliged for your kind words sir.
Please keep these contributions coming... :)
Just amazing :) m speechless
I am looking for the original version. Do you know who sang it originally and is there a recording available?
Hi, I've been trying in vain to get hold of some literature about shah hussain. Would really appreciate if you can help. It seems you know this.
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