Song Title: Aaja Re Aa Zara, Lehrake Aa Zara
Singer: Mohammad Rafi
Film: Love in Tokyo (1966)
Lyricist: Hasrat Jaipuri
Music Composers: Shankar-Jaikishan
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This gathering of life, in this gathering I am alone
Let someone touch my skirt, someone play with my hair
Come a little, come swaying, settle in my heart through my eyes
Come a little
Look, the atmosphere is filled with color, but the wound in my heart is green
Place your head on my chest, in your hands is the medicine for my heart
Come a little, come swaying, settle in my heart through my eyes
Come a little
Whom should I show my burning, how can I hide the storm in my breaths?
What my eyes have seen, how can I tell what has passed over my heart?
Come a little, come swaying, settle in my heart through my eyes
Come a little
Fire has also ignited in your heart, fire has also ignited in my heart
The condition is the same on both sides, lightning has struck both our hearts
Come a little, come swaying, settle in my heart through my eyes
Come a little, come swaying, come a little
Note: Hindi readers should refer to the original lyrics, not the translated version.
Unveiling the Longing: English Translation of “Aaja Re Aa Zara, Lehrake Aa Zara”
“Aaja Re Aa Zara, Lehrake Aa Zara” from the 1966 film Love in Tokyo is a poignant song that beautifully captures feelings of longing and isolation, delivered with the unparalleled voice of Mohammad Rafi. With heartfelt lyrics by Hasrat Jaipuri and enchanting music by Shankar-Jaikishan, this track resonates with anyone who has felt alone in a crowd. This section provides a complete English translation of the lyrics, allowing a deeper appreciation of the song’s emotional depth.
Emotional Essence: Longing and Isolation in a Crowded Place
“Aaja Re Aa Zara, Lehrake Aa Zara” paints a vivid picture of a person feeling profoundly isolated amidst a lively gathering or party. Despite being surrounded by people, the singer expresses a deep sense of loneliness and an intense longing for a specific connection. The repeated plea “Come a little, come swaying, settle in my heart through my eyes” underscores this yearning for intimacy and solace. The lyrics masterfully use imagery like “the wound in my heart is green” to convey persistent sorrow despite vibrant surroundings, and the beloved’s touch is described as the “medicine for my heart,” highlighting their crucial role in healing. Overall, the song is a poignant expression of longing, isolation, and the universal human desire for genuine connection amidst emotional solitude. The imagery and the emotional depth of the lyrics make it a powerful and deeply relatable piece.
For deeper insight into the song, review the detailed analysis of the lyrics, composition and singing.
~ Balwant S. Wadhwani