Pasoori – Ali Sethi x Shae Gill
Coke Studio Pakistan has long been a platform that celebrates musical diversity, blending traditional South Asian music with contemporary global genres. Over the years, it has produced numerous unforgettable performances, but “Pasoori,” a song from Coke Studio’s 14th season featuring Ali Sethi and Shae Gill, has become an instant global sensation. With its captivating melody, rich cultural undertones, and emotionally charged lyrics, “Pasoori” transcends borders, offering an artistic masterpiece that fuses tradition with modernity.
The Story Behind “Pasoori”
The word “Pasoori” comes from Punjabi, meaning “conflict” or “dilemma,” and the song’s lyrics revolve around the theme of navigating emotional and societal conflicts. Ali Sethi, a celebrated Pakistani vocalist, co-wrote the song with poet Zulfiqar Jabbar Khan, also known as Xulfi, who also served as the producer for this track. The idea for the song came to life when Ali Sethi received news of a canceled performance in India due to political tensions between India and Pakistan. The experience of being caught between political barriers, despite having fans across borders, inspired him to create a song that speaks to the idea of artistic freedom, identity, and the power of unity in the face of division.
“Pasoori” captures the essence of emotional and social conflict through its profound lyrical depth. The song discusses forbidden love, societal restrictions, and the longing for self-expression. Yet, despite the seriousness of its themes, “Pasoori” radiates hope, resilience, and the beauty of embracing one’s own identity.
The Power of the Lyrics
Lyrically, “Pasoori” is a beautiful tapestry woven with metaphors and imagery that explore themes of personal and collective strife. The chorus, “Aaj jaane ki zid na karo, yunhi pehlu mein baithe raho” (Don’t insist on leaving today, just stay by my side), speaks to the longing to hold onto something precious amid uncertainty. The lyrics shift seamlessly between Punjabi and Urdu, creating a linguistic bridge that connects different cultural groups.
Ali Sethi’s voice carries the weight of the song’s emotional gravity, while Shae Gill’s delicate yet powerful vocals complement his deep, soulful tone. Together, they evoke a sense of yearning that resonates with listeners, whether they understand the language or not. The song’s verses also allude to the pain of repression, societal judgment, and the desire for freedom from constraints. The lines “Ranjha, Ranjha kardi ni mein apay Ranjha hoyi” (I kept calling out for Ranjha, and I became Ranjha myself) evoke the famous Punjabi love tale of Heer and Ranjha, symbolizing the merging of identities and the power of love to transcend boundaries.
What makes the lyrics even more impactful is their universality. Although deeply rooted in South Asian culture and language, the themes of heartbreak, forbidden love, and the yearning for freedom are relatable across cultures. Whether one interprets the song through the lens of romantic longing or social conflict, the song resonates on a deeply human level.
The Music: A Blend of Cultures and Genres
Musically, “Pasoori” is a groundbreaking fusion of classical South Asian instruments and modern global beats. The song opens with the twang of a rabab (a traditional lute), immediately setting a traditional tone that transports listeners to a different era. However, this is quickly followed by a contemporary beat that infuses the song with an energetic and modern pulse, making it stand out from more conventional folk tracks.
One of the standout features of “Pasoori” is how it blends the classical with the contemporary. The tabla (a South Asian percussion instrument) plays alongside synthesizers, while traditional South Asian melodies intertwine with global rhythms, resulting in a seamless fusion of the old and the new. This fusion is symbolic of the song’s message: the coexistence of different identities, cultures, and artistic expressions in a single, harmonious form.
Xulfi’s production is meticulous, giving the song a textured soundscape that feels both expansive and intimate. The percussion-driven arrangement provides the song with a danceable beat while maintaining its emotional gravitas. The combination of the Eastern and Western musical elements not only makes the song accessible to international audiences but also showcases the beauty of cross-cultural collaboration.
Agg Lavaan Majboori Nu
Aan Jaan Di Pasoori Nu
Zehar Bane Haan Teri
Pee Javaan Main Poori Nu
Aana Si O Nai Aea
Dil Baang Baang Mera Takreya
Kaga Bol Ke Dus Jaave
Paavaan gheyo dee choori nu
Raawaan Ch Baawaan Ch O Nu Lukawaan
Koi Mainu Na Roke
Mere Dhol Judaiyaan Di
Tenu Khabar Kiwein Hove
Aa Jaave Dil Tera Poora Vi Na Hove
Haan Baniya Banaiyaan
Di Gal Baat Kiwein Hove
Aa Jaave Dil Tera Poora Vi Na Hove
Bhul Gei Majboori Nu
Dunya Di Dastoori Nu
Saath Tera Hai Bathera
Poora Kar Zaroori Nu
Aana Si O Nei Aea
Raasta Na Dikhlea
Dil Hamara De Sahara
Khaahishaat Adhoori Nu
Waari Main Javaan Main Tenu Bulawan
Gal Saaree Taan Hove
Mere Dhol Judaiyaan Di
Tenu Khabar Kiwein Hove
Aa Jaave Dil Tera Poora Vi Na Hove
O’Haan baniya banaiyaan
di gal baat Kiwein Hove
Aa jaave dil tera poora vi na Hove
Mere Dhol Judaiyaan Di Sardaari Na Hove
Mere Dhol Judaiyaan Di
|Aaaaaaaaa~~~~~|
Mere Dhol Judaiyaan Di Sardaari Na Hove
Dildaaraan Di Sub Yaaraan
Di Aazaari Na Hove
Dildaaraan Di Sub Yaaraan
Di Aazaari Na Hove
Aa Chalein Leke Tujhe
Hain Jahan Silsile
Tu Hai Wahi Hai Teri Kami
Bana De Saja De Panah De Humain
Bana De Saja De Panah De Humain
Agg Lavaan Majboori Nu
Aan Jaan Di Pasoori Nu
Zehar Bane Haan Teri
Pee Javaan Main Poori Nu
Raawaan Ch Baawaan Ch O Nu Lukawaan
Koi Mainu Na Roke
Mere Dhol Judaiyaan Di
Tenu Khabar Kiwein Hove
Aa Jaave Dil Tera Poora Vi Na Hove
Haan Baniya Banaiyaan
Di Gal Baat Kiwein Hove
Aa Jaave Dil Tera Poora Vi Na Hove
Poora Vi Na Hove
Poora Vi Na Hove