"O Yaara" is a song that strikes at the very core of human experience. Abdul Hannan and Kaavish's collaboration on Coke Studio Season 15 delivers an emotionally raw and introspective piece that explores the themes of heartbreak, self-discovery, and resilience.
This song is a stark reminder of the fragility of our emotions and the complexities of our inner worlds.
From the moment Abdul Hannan begins with "Kya baataon?" ("What should I say?"), we are thrust into a world of introspection. This isn't just a question; it's a cry for help, a manifestation of confusion and longing. Hannan is grappling with thoughts that refuse to leave him, questions that have him ensnared. The imagery of blank pages symbolizes the struggle to make sense of his life's chaos, an attempt to find meaning where there seems to be none.
The chorus, with its haunting repetition, paints a vivid picture of pain. "Tukre kaanch k bikhre zameen par" ("Pieces of glass scattered on the ground") serves as a powerful metaphor for the shattered state of one's heart and dreams. Walking on broken glass, each step laden with pain, perfectly encapsulates the struggle of moving forward after being deeply hurt. The smoke that makes breathing a punishment signifies the suffocating nature of unresolved emotions and traumas.
Hannan's second verse shifts the focus from personal turmoil to societal disillusionment. "Ye wafa tou bazar mai bikti ek chehra" ("Loyalty is just a face sold in the market") critiques the superficiality and commodification of emotions in today’s world. It's a reflection on how genuine connections are often overshadowed by transactional relationships. This line strikes a chord, especially in an era where authenticity is frequently sacrificed for appearances.
The Light Within the Shadows
As "O Yaara" progresses, the song delves deeper into the struggle for self-identity. "Khud ki khoj mai sab hi haal e dil mai" ("In the search for oneself, everyone is lost in their heart") is a line that resonates with anyone who has ever felt lost. It speaks to the universal quest for self-understanding and the internal chaos that often accompanies it. Hannan's voice, laden with emotion, brings these sentiments to life, making us feel the weight of his words.
The recurring chorus amplifies the sense of being trapped in a cycle of pain. The broken glass and suffocating smoke are not just metaphors but visceral experiences that many can relate to. The repetition underscores the persistence of these struggles, yet there is a subtle shift in the music that hints at the possibility of change and healing.
Jaffer Zaidi's outro brings a sense of hope and reassurance. His voice, calm and soothing, contrasts with the earlier anguish, offering a path towards self-acceptance. "Ander tere raaz kayi hain" ("Inside you, there are many secrets") acknowledges the complexity of our inner selves. It suggests that embracing these hidden truths is the key to finding peace.
"Khud se jou mil payega, O yaara" ("If you can meet yourself, my friend") is a powerful message of self-discovery. It's an invitation to delve deep within, to understand and accept oneself. The repeated use of "O yaara" (a term of endearment) emphasizes the importance of support and companionship in this journey. We are reminded that while the path to self-understanding is deeply personal, we are never truly alone.
Zaidi's final lines, "Na chorh aas ki dour ko, Sach tu samjh jayega, Phir tu sambhal jayega" ("Don’t let go of the thread of hope, You will understand the truth, Then you will be okay"), encapsulate the song’s ultimate message. Despite the pain and confusion, there is always hope. The fragile yet unbreakable thread of hope guides us through our darkest times towards understanding and resilience.
Embracing the Journey
The beauty of "O Yaara" lies in its ability to capture the complexity of human emotions with such simplicity. The collaborative efforts of Abdul Hannan and Kaavish have resulted in a piece that feels both intimate and universal. It’s a song that speaks to the soul, urging us to look within and find our own truth.
As we listen to "O Yaara," we are reminded that music has the power to heal, to inspire, and to connect us to one another. It’s a reminder that amidst the chaos of life, there is always hope, always a chance for renewal and understanding. And in that, we find the courage to keep moving forward, one step at a time.
So, let "O Yaara" be a companion on your journey. Let it remind you of the strength within you, the beauty of vulnerability, and the unbreakable thread of hope that ties us all together. For in the end, it’s these shared experiences and emotions that make us truly human.
Lyrics & Meaning:
Kya baataon?
What should I say?
In sawalon main kab se yun phasa hun
I’ve been stuck in these questions for a long time
Rakh saray safay par likh raha hun
Writing on all these blank pages
Fasanay mein zindagi k mann
In the story of life and heart
Ko kese or kese bhelaon
How do I entertain it, and how do I soothe it
[Chorus: Abdul Hannan]
Tukre kaanch k bikhre zameen par
Pieces of glass scattered on the ground
Chalna chahun par, chahaya hai har qadam
I want to walk, but every step is shadowed
Ye dhu’an, hai sans lena saza
This smoke, breathing feels like a punishment
Oh, mmm
Woah, mmm
[Verse 2: Abdul Hannan]
Ye wafa tou bazar mai bikti ek chehra
Loyalty is just a face sold in the market
Hakeekatain dher sari kyun lage hain
So many harsh realities, why do they feel so heavy
Khud ki khoj mai sab hi haal e dil mai
In the search for oneself, everyone is lost in their heart
Ab kese samjhaon?
How do I explain now?
Hai ye uljhe daghon sa
It's like these tangled stains
Meri sochon ka jahan
In the world of my thoughts
[Chorus: Abdul Hannan]
Tukre kaanch k bikhre zameen par
Pieces of glass scattered on the ground
Chalna chahun par, chahaya hai har qadam
I want to walk, but every step is shadowed
Ye dhu’an, hai sans lena saza
This smoke, breathing feels like a punishment
Woah, mmm
Woah, mmm
[Instrumental Break]
[Outro: Jaffer Zaidi]
Aaa.. Haye.. Aaa..
Ander tere raaz kayi hain
Inside you, there are many secrets
Ander tere raaz kayi hain
Inside you, there are many secrets
Khud se jou mil payega
If you can meet yourself
O yaara
Oh friend
Dil se jou sun payega
If you can listen with your heart
Na chorh aas ki dour ko
Don’t let go of the thread of hope
Sach tu samjh jayega
You will understand the truth
O yaara
Oh friend
Phir tu sambhal jayega
Then you will be okay
