113. Translation of Sad Song of Rafi: Teraa Kaam Hai Jalna...

From: Paapi (1953)
Music: S Mohinder
Lyricist: Rajinder Krishen




Rafi's Rare Gem: Tera Kaam Hai Jalna Parwaane...

Roman Transliteration/English Translation of the original lyrics:

Tera Kaam Hai Jalna Parwaane
YOUR JOB IS SELF-IMMOLATION O LOVER

Chaahe Shama Jale Ya Na Jale
WHETHER THE LAMP BURNS OR NOT,

Shama Jale Ya Na Jale,
THE LAMP BURNS OR NOT,

Tuu Pankh Jalaale Deewaane
BURN YOUR WINGS O CRAZY ONE

Chaahe Shama Jale Ya Na Jale
WHETHER THE LAMP BURNS OR NOT,

Shama Jale Ya Na Jale...
THE LAMP BURNS OR NOT...


Yeh Dard Muhabbat Ka Sahe Jaa
THIS PANG OF LOVE GO ON SUFFERING,

Tuu Aag Ke Dariya mein Bahe Jaa
IN THE BLAZING RIVER GO ON DRIFTING,

Kehti Hai Tau Duniya Kehne De
IF THE WORLD BLAMES – BE IT,

Tuu Jalte Jalte Yeh Kahe Jaa
TELL THEM THIS WHILE YOU GO ON BURNING,

Yeh Kahe Jaa
THIS (YOU) GO ON TELLING:

Yoo.n Jal Marte Hai.n Deewaane
THUS THE CRAZY ONES BURN AND DIE,

Yoo.n Jal Marte Hai.n Deewaane
THUS THE CRAZY ONES BURN AND DIE,

Chaahe Shama Jale Ya Na Jale
WHETHER THE LAMP BURNS OR NOT,

Shama Jale Ya Na Jale...
THE LAMP BURNS OR NOT....


Tera Pyaar Nahi.n Hai Harjaaee,
YOUR LOVE IS NOT INCONSTANT,

Tuu Saudaaee Hai Saudaaee,
YOU’RE MAD, INSANE,

Marne Mei.n Hai Shaan Muhabbat Ki
IN DEATH IS THE GLORY OF LOVE

Jeene mein hai Teri Ruswaaee
IN LIVING LIES YOUR IGNOMINY

Ruswaaee,
IGNOMINY

Marte Nahi.n Jalkar Parwaane
LOVERS DON’T DIE AFTER BURNING

Marte Nahi.n Jalkar Parwaane
LOVERS DON’T DIE AFTER BURNING

Chaahe Shama Jale Ya Na Jale
WHETHER THE LAMP BURNS OR NOT,

Shama Jale Ya Na Jale...
THE LAMP BURNS OR NOT...


Teraa Kaam Hai Jalna Parwaane
YOUR JOB IS SELF-IMMOLATION O LOVER

Chaahe Shama Jale Ya Na Jale
WHETHER THE LAMP BURNS OR NOT,

Shama Jale Ya Na Jale,
THE LAMP BURNS OR NOT,


NASIR.

Neither the tale of that candle of Chegel one can tell,
Nor about the state of the burnt heart one can tell.
There is grief in my distressed heart because there is
Not one friend to whom the grief in one’s heart one can tell.
- HAFEZ


Notes: In mid-eastern and Indo-Pak culture and literature, Moth is a metaphor for Lover and the lighted Candle or Lamp is a metaphor for the beloved. Moths hover around the flames till they are burnt down. The lovers are expected to rise to such sublime level.