Na Rukhte - Nusrat

* For those interested in Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and qawwali - this will be a familiar song, or sound. For those new to the music, wikipedia has ample information about the artist and genre.

* Here I will jump right into some elements in this recording. Nusrat used to carry a large black book of lyrics with him. It was more than just a book of words - for it contained the body of most of his learning, as well as his own creations. The lyrics of "Na rukhte hain ansoo" were written by Qamar, and that is all I know. If anyone knows more, please let me know. I only guess this by the use of the pen-name Qamar in the last line.

* The classification of this lyric is difficult, because there is no reference to a Prophet or saint. The format is very similar to a ghazal, because the stanzas (couplets) are related, but not directly connected. However, a ghazal usually has a sensual nature. In 'na rukhte', natural life and suffering are the main themes. The hesitation before God is too weightful to be a ghazal.

* Back to Nusrat's book; we can be sure that he carried a great amount of poetry. By amount, his recordings are split between actual qawwali and geet (esp. punjabi). I can only conclude that 'na rukhte' is a qawwal. This is supported by his classical approach to the performance.

* It may be noted that Nusrat as usual uses sthayi-antara in a simple form. That is, his main phrase is usually repeated several times, and then a higher pitch sequence is used for the same words soon after.

* Another significant point is that the conclusion of a 'qawwali' often returns to base speed. this is often half (quarter) of the final speed. This requires control of the singer (and ensemble). It reminds us of the classical origins of this music. (Today many instrumentalists show-off speed in the final drut section - but forget that leaving laya - is as wrong as leaving raag.)

* Nusrat also uses saregam - as well as mini tarana-like rhythmic plays.

* Now for the lyrics. I am not qualified to give a full translation. The quest itself requires some effort... so these are just some verses that were especially meaningful.


* of/in love there is no destiny -
love is a wave, not a shore.

people laughed at my torn condition,
maybe they have no heart.

the tears don't stop,
and the calling also doesn't stop.

what should one do, if suddenly it/he/she/God comes -
to close the eyes, or preserve the heart?

those in the garden(fields) said to the lightening:
the homes of the blameless were burnt!

To do that kind of bow (prayer),
the scared ones would say : lift your head,
.... for God's sake!

coming this far - is it me or destiny?
by coming here, my feet have blisters.

"qamar" i am empowered to control the night -
all i can do is try to lighten it.


*******************************************
[thanks to rafiq K. for sharing several hours of dictionary time with me. also want to note images were very hard to find to illustrate this poem. the song is my copy, but the images were taken from you know where...

[sorry, had to edit out several verse in the middle. Youtube thinks 5 minutes is the attention span of the world....]

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Na
• Rukhte
• Nusrat

[saksak79]

Agree.. same here.. been listening to this wonderful guy for over a decade.. yet some day i run into some new thing that i never heard before.. he really left behind a treasure ... just pray that its preserved and passed on to the future generations.. i guess Nusrat is going to be like Amir Khusroo remembered even after a 1000 years

[ali12978]

beautiful

[dilkeaaspass]

Missing You NFAK Good times You were always a Gentleman, The nicest person I have ever met....................Gave Qawwali Life. Many Many Thanks.

Muhabat ki koi manzil nahi hai.......dapa dapa..................still ringing in my ears after so many years.........................­When you bought the big synthesiser keyboard in London and I asked you Abhi yeh bhi shuru karengey and you replied Koshish Karengey..............The rest is History.

[roshananjum782]

very nice

[ssss7806]

excellent

[Razzosongs]

Awasome<3

[penta15786]

The poet is Ustad Qamar Jalalvi.

[najam57]

very nice beautiful

[jattwarraich]

speechless........... no wrds for that melodias legend.....hats down.....

[nippymalik]

i just need to listen to his work once and then i end up about 3 -4 hrs listening to him