Lal Meri
Sindhi/Punjabi · Praise associated with Lal Shahbaz Qalandar
OPENING · AN INVOCATION FOR PROTECTION
Laal meri pat rakhiyo bhala jhoole laalan
O beloved Lal, protect my honor, gracious Jhule Lal.
MeaningA devotional appeal for protection, dignity, and blessing. 'Lal' and 'Jhule Lal' evoke regional saintly devotion in Sindh, and the refrain is traditionally associated with Lal Shahbaz Qalandar.
Sindhri da, sehwan da, sakhi Shahbaaz qalandar
The generous Shahbaz Qalandar of Sindh and Sehwan!
MeaningLal Shahbaz Qalandar is the revered Sufi associated with Sehwan Sharif in Sindh. Naming his place roots the ecstatic refrain in a real living pilgrimage tradition.
Dama dam mast qalandar (
With every breath, the Qalandar is ecstatically absorbed!
Meaning'Dam-a-dam' is breath after breath or continually; 'mast' signals ecstatic absorption. The line is meant to be embodied in singing, drumming, and audience response.
VERSE 1 · DRUMS OF CELEBRATION
Jhanan-jhanan teri nobat baajay
Your ceremonial drums ring out—jhanan, jhanan!
MeaningNaubat means ceremonial percussion or an ensemble of drums associated with a shrine or court. The onomatopoeia lets the listener hear the imagined celebration.
Jhanan-jhanan teri, dhanan-dhanan teri
The bells and drums sound: jhanan, dhanan!
MeaningThese are imitative percussion syllables rather than a new narrative statement. Their repetition recreates the energy of shrine music.
Sindhri da, sehwan da, sakhi Shahbaaz qalandar (Haq)
The generous Shahbaz Qalandar of Sindh and Sehwan! [Haq]
VERSE 2 · THE FOUR LAMPS
Chaar charaagh tere balan hamesha
Four lamps burn continually in your honor.
MeaningThe lamps symbolize persistent devotion and protection; their imagery evokes the lights associated with shrines and communal spiritual traditions.
Panjvaan main baalan aayi aa
I've come to light the fifth lamp myself.
MeaningThe speaker becomes an active participant in the devotion, contributing a personal light rather than merely observing the ritual.
Sindhri da, sehwan da, sakhi Shahbaaz qalandar (Haq)
The generous Shahbaz Qalandar of Sindh and Sehwan! [Haq]
CLOSING REFRAIN · THE CALL
Laal meri pat rakhiyo bhala jhoole laalan
O beloved Lal, protect my honor, gracious Jhule Lal.
Dama dam mast qalandar (Haq)
With every breath, the Qalandar is ecstatically absorbed! [Haq]