Year: 1980
Movie: The Burning Train
Singer: Mohammad Rafi & Asha Bhosle
Lyricist: Sahir Ludhianvi
Music Director: R D Burman
'Pal Do Pal Ka Saath Hamara' (1980, The Burning Train) is a vibrant qawwali. It reminds us that the length of our association with anybody is unpredictable. Be grateful for whatever time somebody spends with us. Enjoy the present moment. Dance and make merry simply in honor of being alive!
Two other songs from Hindi movies that emphasize the present moment: Aane Wala Pal Jaane Wala Hai (1979, Golmaal) and Zindagi Ik Safar Hai Suhana (1971, Andaz).
The song begins with superb harmonium, which is followed by a slow but vibrant rhythm. Soon, the tempo picks up for a typical qawwali. In the last stanza, the line झूम जब तक धड़कनों में जान है is sung. By this time, the tempo has picked up even more. At the end of that stanza, the rhythm falls back to normal. The progression of tempo from slow to fast to slow is lovely. Thanks to R D Burman!
The song is shot in the context of a burning train whose brakes have failed. The blending of qawwali music with intermittent fast paced music mimicking a speeding train is superb. Thanks again to R D Burman!
The opening lines of the qawwali are insightful. They remind me of an analogy shared with me by a friend. We are like a bus. Passengers come and go but the bus keeps on moving :)
पल दो पल का साथ हमारा पल दो पल के याराने हैं
इस मंज़िल पे मिलने वाले उस मंज़िल पर खो जाने हैं
Our companionships are short lived. Our friendships are short lived.
Those meeting at this destination will be lost at the next.
The loveliest lines in the whole composition are below. They remind us that life is a precious gift. The right approach to honoring life is simply to spend every moment in the celebration of being alive.
झूम जब तक झूम
झूम जब तक धड़कनों में जान है
झूमना ही ज़िन्दगी की शान है
Dance and make merry!
Enjoy every moment while you are alive!
Dancing with joy is an appropriate tribute to life!
Overall, the lyrics are good but not perfect. For example, the lines below connote hedonism. It should be remembered that both pleasures and pains are ephemeral. Enjoyment of pleasures is just fine as long as we do not crave for them when they are no longer available. Otherwise, we lose peace of mind.
हर ख़ुशी कुछ देर की मेहमान है
पूरा कर ले दिल में जो अरमान है
Every pleasure is ephemeral.
Satisfy the desires in your heart.
Roman Script
Hindi
Translation
Roman Script
Hindi
Translation
Roman Script
Zindagi Ek Tez Rau Toofan Hai, Iska Jo Peechha Kare Naadaan Hai
Gumshuda Khushiyo Par Kyo Hairaan Hai
Waqt Laute Iska Kab Imtehaan Hai
Jhoom Jab Tak Jhoom
Jhoom Jab Tak Dhadkano Mein Jaan Hai
Jhoomna Hi Zindagi Ki Shaan Hai
Awwal Aakhir Har Koi Anjaan Hai
Zindagi Bas Raah Ki Pehchaan Hai
Doston Apna To Ye Eemaan Hai
Jo Bhi Jitna Saath De Ehsaan Hai
Umr Ka Rishta Jodne Waale
Apni Nazar Mein Deewane Hain
Pal Do Pal Ka ...
Hindi
र : ज़िन्दगी इक तेज़ रौ इसका जो पीछा करे नादान है
आ : गुमशुदा ख़ुशियों पर क्यों हैरान है
वक़्त लौटे इसका कब इम्तेहान है
को : झूम जब तक झूम
आ : झूम जब तक धड़कनों में जान है
झूमना ही ज़िन्दगी की शान है
र : अव्वल आख़िर हर कोई अनजान है
ज़िन्दगी बस राह की पहचान है
दोस्तो अपना तो ये ईमान है
जो भी जितना साथ दे एहसान है
उम्र का रिश्ता जोड़ने वाले
आ : अपनी नज़र में दीवाने हैं
पल दो पल का ...
Translation
Life is a fast flowing storm. Fool is he who chases it.
Why are you distressed by lost moments of happiness?
The past never returns.
Dance and make merry!
Enjoy every moment while you are alive!
Dancing with joy is an appropriate tribute to life!
First of all, everybody is a stranger.
Life is simply the identification of the path.
Friends, my faith is this.
Whatever time somebody spent with you, consider it a favor.
Those seeking a lifetime of relationship.
Are crazy in my opinion.
Our companionships are short lived ...