Analysis of Song: Aa Lag Ja Galey Dilruba
Singer: Mohammad Rafi | Film: Dus Lakh (1966)
Lyricist: Prem Dhawan | Music Composer: Ravi
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The rendition of “Aa lag ja galey dilruba …” is a timeless classic that encapsulates the essence of romantic longing and passion. The song, with its evocative lyrics and Rafi’s soulful voice, has captivated audiences for generations.
Let’s delve deep into the lyrics, composition, and Mohammad Rafi’s performance to understand why this song holds such a special place in the hearts of music lovers.
Lyrics and Lyricist: A Poetic Expression of Love
The lyrics, penned by the renowned lyricist and music director Prem Dhawan, are a beautiful expression of love and longing. The repeated phrase “Aa lag ja galey dilruba” (Come, embrace me, my beloved) creates a sense of urgency and desire. The lyricist’s use of vivid imagery and poetic language paints a picture of a lover pleading with their beloved to return.
Composition and Music Director: A Melody of Love and Passion
The music, composed by Ravi, is a perfect complement to the lyrics. The upbeat tempo and lively tune create a sense of joy and exuberance, while the minor key and the use of certain instruments, such as the harmonium, add a touch of melancholy. The composition is a perfect blend of classical and popular elements, making it both timeless and engaging.
Rafi’s Vocal Mastery: A Line-by-Line Analysis
Opening Verse
Aa lag ja galey dilruba (Come, let’s embrace, oh darling of my heart): Rafi’s voice begins with a sense of longing and urgency, almost pleading. The repetition of “Aa” intensifies the yearning, conveying a deep-seated desire for physical and emotional closeness.
Kahan ruthke chali, o Gulab ki kali (Where have you gone in anger, oh rosebud?): Here, a hint of reproach enters Rafi’s voice. He’s not just asking his beloved to come back; he’s questioning the reason for their departure, subtly conveying hurt and disappointment.
Tere kadmon mein dil hai mera (My heart lies at your feet): Rafi’s voice softens, expressing vulnerability and complete surrender. He acknowledges his dependence on his beloved, emphasizing the profound impact she has on his life.
Verse 1
O shola badan, o zohrajabin, tum gusse mein lagti ho aur hasin (Oh, you with the fiery body and captivating eyes, you seem angry yet beautiful): Rafi’s voice becomes more sensual, admiring his beloved’s beauty and allure. There’s a hint of awe and wonder in his tone.
Baitha hoon jigar ko thame hue, mujhpe gire na ye bijli kahin (I sit with my heart clutched in my hand, fearing your lightning might strike me): A sense of anxiety creeps into Rafi’s voice. He’s experiencing a physical manifestation of his emotional turmoil, clutching his heart as if to protect it from further pain.
Itna na sitam karna, kuchh nazrein karam karna (Don’t be so cruel, please show some mercy): The plea becomes more urgent, laced with a touch of fear. Rafi’s voice conveys the fragility of his emotions and the fear of losing his beloved.
Dekhiye dil hai nazuk mera (See, my heart is fragile): Rafi’s voice softens, emphasizing the vulnerability of his heart. He’s not just asking his beloved to return; he’s pleading with her to understand the delicate nature of his love.
Verse 2
Itraake na chal, balakhake na chal, aanchal ko hawa mein udaake na chal (Don’t strut, don’t toss your head, don’t let your scarf flutter in the wind): Rafi’s voice carries a playful tone, yet underlying it is a serious request. He’s gently urging his beloved to shed her pride and return to him. Then, through “Aanchal ko hawa mein udaake na chal“, he paints a vivid image of his beloved, capturing her grace and elegance. There’s a hint of wistfulness in his voice as he imagines her swaying gracefully.
Ban jaayega koi afsana (You’ll create a story): Rafi’s voice becomes more hopeful. He suggests that their love story has the potential to become legendary, implying a deep and enduring connection.
Dil ko mere tadpaake na chal (Don’t make my heart ache): The plea becomes more urgent, as Rafi’s voice conveys the pain of separation. He’s begging his beloved not to prolong his suffering.
Kya kehne nazakat ke … main toh pehli nazar mein luta (What to say about your elegance, it’s like a catastrophe, I was captivated at first sight): Rafi’s voice is filled with awe and admiration as he describes his beloved’s beauty. The line ‘Main to pehli nazar mein luta …’ is sung with a sense of surrender and vulnerability. He acknowledges that he was completely captivated by her from the very first moment.
Verse 3
Na ishq humein hai duniya se, na pyar humein hai daulat se (Neither love nor the world matters to me, nor do I care for wealth): Rafi’s voice gains strength as he declares the primacy of his love for his beloved. The world fades into insignificance compared to his feelings for her.
Humko to mohabbat hai zalim, teri bholi bholi surat se (All I want, cruel one, is your innocent, beautiful face): Rafi’s voice becomes tender and intimate, expressing a deep and unconditional love. He finds beauty in her simplicity and innocence.
Palkon pe bitha lunga … main hoon kabse deewana tera (I’ll place you on my eyelids, I’ll hide you in my heart, I’ve been your madman for so long): Rafi’s voice conveys a sense of protectiveness and adoration. He promises to cherish her, to keep her close to his heart. While singing “Seene mein chhupa lunga …“, his voice becomes more intense, expressing a deep longing for physical intimacy and emotional closeness.
Throughout the song, Rafi’s vocal performance is characterized by:
Emotional Depth: He effortlessly conveys a wide range of emotions, from longing and passion to fear and vulnerability.
Technical Brilliance: Rafi’s vocal control allows him to seamlessly transition between different registers and maintain a consistent tone.
Nuance: His subtle variations in pitch, tone, and rhythm add depth and complexity to the song.
Expressive Power: Rafi’s voice has the power to evoke strong emotions in the listener.
The Synergy of Lyrics, Music, and Vocals
The combined efforts of Prem Dhawan, Ravi, and Mohammad Rafi have created a masterpiece that transcends the boundaries of language and culture. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to evoke universal emotions of love, longing, and passion.
The Lyrics: Provide a poetic framework that explores the depths of romantic love.
The Musical composition: Creates a lively and romantic atmosphere that complements the lyrics and enhances the emotional impact of the song.
Vocals: Bring the lyrics to life with his soulful and expressive performance.
In conclusion, “Aa Lag Ja Galey Dilruba …” is a timeless classic that showcases the brilliance of Rafi, Prem Dhawan, and Ravi. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to the power of music to transcend cultural boundaries and connect with listeners on a deep emotional level. By analyzing the lyrics, composition, and Rafi’s performance, we can appreciate the intricate layers of meaning and emotion embedded in this iconic song.
Our valued non-Hindi readers are advised to go through the translation for better understanding of the song.
~ Balwant S. Wadhwani