hawa bhi khush-gawar hai
gulon pe bhi nikhaar hai
tarannum-e-hazar hai
bahaar pur-bahaar hai
kahan chala hai saqiya
idhar to laut idhar to aa
are ye dekhta hai kya
utha subu subu utha
subu utha pyala bhar
pyala bhar ke de idhar
chaman ki samt kar nazar
saman to dekh be-khabar
wo kali kali badliyan
ufuq pe ho gain ayan
wo ek hujum-e-mai-kashan
hai su-e-mai-kada rawan
ye kya guman hai bad-guman
samajh na mujh ko na-tawan
khayal-e-zohd abhi kahan
abhi to main jawan hun
ibaadaton ka zikr hai
najat ki bhi fikr hai
junun hai sawab ka
khayal hai azab ka
magar suno to shaikh ji
ajib shai hain aap bhi
bhala shabab o aashiqi
alag hue bhi hain kabhi
hasin jalwa-rez hon
adaen fitna-khez hon
hawaen itr-bez hon
to shauq kyun na tez hon
nigar-ha-e-fitnagar
koi idhar koi udhar
ubhaarte hon aish par
to kya kare koi bashar
chalo ji qissa-mukhtasar
tumhaara nuqta-e-nazar
durust hai to ho magar
abhi to main jawan hun
ye gasht kohsar ki
ye sair ju-e-bar ki
ye bulbulon ke chahchahe
ye gul-rukhon ke qahqahe
kisi se mel ho gaya
to ranj o fikr kho gaya
kabhi jo bakht so gaya
ye hans gaya wo ro gaya
ye ishq ki kahaniyan
ye ras bhari jawaniyan
udhar se mehrbaniyan
idhar se lan-taraniyan
ye aasman ye zamin
nazara-ha-e-dil-nashin
inhen hayat-afrin
bhala main chhod dun yahin
hai maut is qadar qarin
mujhe na aaega yaqin
nahin nahin abhi nahin
abhi to main jawan hun
na gham kushud o bast ka
buland ka na past ka
na bud ka na hast ka
na wada-e-alast ka
ummid aur yas gum
hawas gum qayas gum
nazar se aas pas gum
hama-bajuz gilas gum
na mai mein kuchh kami rahe
qadah se hamdami rahe
nashist ye jami rahe
yahi hama-hami rahe
wo rag chhed mutriba
tarab-faza, alam-ruba
asar sada-e-saz ka
jigar mein aag de laga
har ek lab pe ho sada
na hath rok saqiya
pilae ja pilae ja
abhi to main jawan hun
the fragrance wafts o’er the dew
as flowers bloom, in every hue
a thousand melodies fill the air
as spring is here, in bridal wear
it’s time for cheer, bring out the wine
come back, the moment is divine
come fill the cup, don’t turn away
do not demur, do not delay
do cast your eye upon the spring
the scene’s a dream upon a wing
as evening falls, dark clouds appear
across the skies, from far and near
wine lovers will always have their say
as to the taverns, they wend their way
off with the skeptic look, my man
for i’m not naïve, nor weak nor van
heaven can wait, as can piety
for i’m still young, so let me be
yes, there’s talk of god, of fear
of salvation that’s never near
redemption, and the need to know
the after life, where souls will go
but man of god, do hark my word
is not your contention absurd
tell me dear man, hand on heart
can love and beauty stand apart?
when joy and fragrance fill the air
and lissome beauties, tall and fair
bewitching smiles, do lie in wait
how can our passions ever abate
sensuous glances, full of grace
entice one into their embrace
guiles of love, and passion’s sway
what mortal man can stay away?
okay, to cut the story short
your point of view, your kindly thought
i may agree with, i may see
but i’m still young, so let me be..
to walk along the mountain side
or trek the streams at eventide
to hear the nightingales in song
and blooming roses, all along
and then to chance upon your love
and see all worries, gloom dissolve
i guess it’s written in our stars
tears or joy, what shall be ours..
these tales of love, these songs of yore
are ones we have all heard before
some speak of youths full of flair
and others may merely be hot air
these skies, these meadows evergreen
are scenes that no one has ever seen
bounty in joy, calming in strife
they are the essence of our life
a life that’s short, that’s so finite
and so every breath holds delight
but is the end ever so nigh
no, no, not now, how can i die
i’ve long to go, i’ve much to see
for i’m still young, so let me be..
no bondage, nor freedom shall remain
no rise, no fall, no wax nor wane
no past, no present, no despair
no vows, no promises, no care
hope and despair, both beguiled
with past and future reconciled
all sense, all logic shall now depart
there’s just the wine, and the heart
come let the wine flow, let’s rejoice
oh nightingale, where is your voice
do sing of joy, draw out our pain
let just the cup, the ale remain..
let every voice sing out as one
drink on, the joy has just begun
a drink, a drink, don’t you see
for i’m still young, so let me be…