Song Title: Aa Gaya Hai Waqt Maut Ka
Singer: Mohammad Rafi
Film: Alladin Ka Beta (1955)
Lyricist: Tanveer Naqvi
Music Composer: S. Mohinder
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“Aa Gaya Hai Waqt Maut Ka” from the 1955 film Alladin Ka Beta is a haunting ballad that delves deep into themes of mortality and life’s impermanence. With its melancholic melody and poignant lyrics, this song stands as a powerful testament to Mohammed Rafi’s exceptional ability to evoke profound emotions through his voice, drawing listeners into a contemplation of the inevitable.
Lyrics and Lyricist: Confronting the Inevitable
Tanveer Naqvi, the lyricist, crafted a powerful and evocative piece exploring the universal theme of death. The repeated phrase, “Aa gaya hai waqt maut ka” (The time of death has come), immediately sets a somber tone, immersing the listener in the protagonist’s contemplation of mortality. The lyrics are rich with imagery of finality and the delicate fragility of existence.
Composition and Music Director: A Melodic Lament
The music, composed by S. Mohinder, perfectly complements the song’s somber lyrics. Its slow tempo, minor key, and haunting melody create a profound sense of melancholy and introspection. The strategic use of traditional Indian instruments, such as the harmonium, further deepens the emotional resonance. The composition effectively captures the protagonist’s despair and resignation, making the musical backdrop as impactful as the vocals.
Mohammed Rafi’s Vocal Analysis: A Journey Through Grief
Mohammed Rafi’s masterful performance breathes life into every line, making this song an unforgettable masterpiece. His ability to convey a wide spectrum of emotions, from despair and longing to hope and acceptance, is truly remarkable.
Initial Verse: Resignation and Hopelessness
Aa gaya hai waqt maut ka (The time of death has come): Rafi’s voice is filled with a sense of resignation and acceptance. The tone is somber, reflecting the gravity of the situation.
Band hai har ek rasta (Every path is closed): A sense of hopelessness permeates Rafi’s voice as he conveys the feeling of being trapped.
Gulu gulu hoga tera kya (What will happen to you now?): The singer’s voice takes on a mournful tone, expressing concern for the future.
Haaye haaye meri maa (Oh my mother!): Rafi’s voice breaks, conveying a deep sense of longing and helplessness. The repeated phrase emphasizes the protagonist’s emotional turmoil.
1st Verse: Injustice and Disbelief
Main abhi hua hi tha jawan (I had just become a young man): The irony of death arriving in the prime of youth is emphasized in Rafi’s voice, filled with a sense of injustice.
Aa gayi hai maut na rahaa (Death has come, and I am no more): The suddenness of death is highlighted, and Rafi’s voice conveys a sense of shock and disbelief.
Fas gayi kahan nanhi si ye jaan (Where has this little life gotten trapped?): The image of a trapped soul is conveyed through Rafi’s voice, filled with a sense of helplessness.
Toot kyun na pada aasman (Why hasn’t the sky fallen down?): The intensity of the protagonist’s grief is evident in Rafi’s voice, as he expresses a desire for the world to end.
Haaye haaye meri maa (Oh my mother!): Rafi’s voice breaks, conveying a deep sense of longing and helplessness. The repeated phrase emphasizes the protagonist’s emotional turmoil.
Aa gaya hai waqt maut ka (The time of death has come): Rafi’s voice is filled with a sense of resignation and acceptance. The tone is somber, reflecting the gravity of the situation.
Band hai har ek rasta (Every path is closed): A sense of hopelessness permeates Rafi’s voice as he conveys the feeling of being trapped.
Arre, Gulu gulu hoga tera kya, kya hoga (What will happen to you now, what will happen?): The singer’s voice takes on a mournful tone, expressing concern for the future.
2nd Verse: Submission and Farewell
Koi leke jaaye ye bayaan (Let someone take this message): Rafi’s voice conveys a sense of longing for someone to witness his suffering and share his story.
Todta hai dam tera gulam (Your servant is taking his last breath): The protagonist’s submission to fate is expressed through Rafi’s voice, which is filled with a sense of resignation.
Leke tera naam aakhiri salaam (Taking your name as a final farewell): The finality of death is emphasized, as Rafi’s voice conveys a sense of acceptance.
Khatam ho rahi hai dastaan (The story is ending): The end of the protagonist’s story is marked by a sense of melancholy and despair.
3rd Verse: Contemplation and Confusion
Sochta hoon ye jahan kahin (I think this world is perhaps): Rafi’s voice becomes contemplative as the protagonist questions the nature of reality.
Ik haseen khwab to nahin (Just a beautiful dream): A sense of doubt and uncertainty is conveyed as the protagonist wonders if life is merely an illusion.
Meri naaznin de mujhe yakeen (My beloved, give me assurance): Rafi’s voice softens as he seeks reassurance from his beloved.
Arre meri naaznin de mujhe yakeen (Oh my beloved, give me assurance): The repetition of the phrase emphasizes the protagonist’s plea for understanding and comfort.
Ye zameen hai ya ki aasman (Is this the earth or the sky?): A sense of confusion and disorientation is conveyed as the protagonist questions the reality of the world around him.
Arre Tauba tauba meri jaan (Oh God, oh my life!): The protagonist’s emotional turmoil is expressed through this exclamation.
Arre waah waah waah (Oh wow, wow, wow!): A sense of awe and wonder is conveyed as the protagonist contemplates the mysteries of life and death.
The Synergy of Lyrics, Music, and Vocals
The combined efforts of Tanveer Naqvi, S. Mohinder, and Mohammed Rafi have forged a masterpiece that transcends linguistic and cultural boundaries. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to evoke universal emotions related to mortality and the human condition. The lyrics provide a poetic exploration of themes of death and loss, while the music creates a haunting atmosphere that complements the lyrics and enhances the emotional impact. As always, Rafi’s vocals infuse the lyrics with life through his soulful and expressive performance.
“Aa Gaya Hai Waqt Maut Ka” is a powerful and haunting ballad that, like many Rafi songs, explores universal themes of mortality and the human condition. Rafi’s interpretation, combined with the evocative lyrics and the melancholic composition, has cemented its status as a timeless classic. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to music’s power to bridge cultural divides and connect with listeners on a profound emotional level.
Our valued non-Hindi readers are advised to go through the translation for better understanding of the song.
~ Balwant S. Wadhwani