Song: Aaj Kal Mein Dhal Gaya
Singer: Mohammad Rafi | Film: Beti Bete (1964)
Lyricist: Shailendra | Music Composers: Shankar-Jaikishan
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The day has melted into the past, it’s all over
You too go to sleep, the colorful evening has gone to sleep
The day has melted into the past
Every garden has fallen asleep, every bud has gone to sleep
All cities have fallen asleep, every lane has gone to sleep
Sleep is saying, come, hold my arm
You too go to sleep, the colorful evening has gone to sleep
The day has melted into the past
The heart feels extinguished, there’s a burden on every breath
Yet I am living, only on the hope of tomorrow
The moonlight is saying your name
You too go to sleep, the colorful evening has gone to sleep
The day has melted into the past
Who will come here, whose path shall I wait for?
Whose footsteps I heard, whose were they
I have no one of our own, only Ram is mine
You too go to sleep, the colorful evening has gone to sleep
The day has melted into the past
Note: Hindi readers should refer to the original lyrics, not the translated version.
Essence of the Song
“Aaj Kal Mein Dhal Gaya” is a melancholic Hindi song that captures the essence of loneliness and the passing of time. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a quiet evening, where the speaker is reflecting on life, love, and loss.
Key themes and emotions:
Loneliness and isolation: The speaker feels a deep sense of loneliness and isolation, as they ponder the absence of a loved one.
The passage of time: The song explores the theme of time, emphasizing the impermanence of life and the fleeting nature of moments.
Hope and despair: While there is a sense of hope for the future, there is also a prevailing sense of despair and resignation.
Spiritual connection: The reference to Ram suggests a spiritual connection, providing solace in the face of loneliness.
The imagery of the garden falling asleep and the moonlit night creates a serene yet melancholic atmosphere. The repetition of the phrase “Aaj Kal Mein Dhal Gaya” emphasizes the feeling of time slipping away. The song’s overall tone is one of quiet resignation, as the speaker accepts the inevitability of change and loss.
Overall, “Aaj Kal Mein Dhal Gaya” is a poignant and evocative song that explores the universal human experiences of loneliness, loss, and the passage of time. It’s a song that invites listeners to reflect on their own lives and to appreciate the beauty of the present moment.
For deeper insight into the song, review the detailed analysis of the lyrics, composition and singing.
~ Balwant S. Wadhwani