Champakali Lyrics English Translation – Arpit Bala

Ek Hawa Chali, Mahki Champakali;
A breeze blew, and the champak blossoms flaredtheir fragrance.

Ek Sote Shehar Ko Kyun Utha Diya?
Why did it awaken a city that was fast asleep?

Wo Jo Karigari Teri, Jo Chhup Hi Gayi—
That artistry of yours, which had stayed hidden—

Kyun Ye Pee Ke Bhi Tujhko Na Bhoole Jiya?
Why does this heart still not forget you, even after drinking away the pain?

Ek Tareekh Aisi, Jo Bas Chubhe…
A certain date that only pricks and hurts…

Kyun Ghutan Ke Qaidi Ko Phansa Diya
Why trap a prisoner already suffocating?

Phansa-Phansa Diya?
Why entangle him again and again?

Ye Ghutan Se Yun Qaidi Ko Phansa Diya.
Thus, a captive of suffocation was trapped even deeper.

Ek Hawa Chali, Mahki Champakali;
A breeze blew, and the champak blossoms spread their fragrance.

Ek Sote Shehar Ko Kyun Utha Diya?
Why did it wake a sleeping city?

Wo Jo Karigari Teri, Jo Chhup Hi Gayi—
That hidden craft of yours—

Kyun Ye Pee Ke Bhi Tujhko Na Bhoole Jiya?
Why does this heart not forget you, even after drowning in drink?

Par Saal-Jo-Saal Ye Ghutan Badhe
Yet year after year, this suffocation grows.

Aur Jaam Mein Mehange Jo Daam Lage.
And the cost poured into every glass keeps rising.

Chori-Chhupe Piye—Chupke Se Chura Liya
Drinking in secret, stealthily stealing moments.

Aur Ghutan Bhi Bike, Jo Byaaj Pe.
Even suffocation is sold now, on interest.

Haan, Chura Liya—Kya Hi Gunaah Kiya?
Yes, I stole it—what great sin did I really commit?

Jo Halke Suroor Ne Bacha Liya.
When a mild intoxication saved me.

To Haan, Chura Liya—Kya Hi Gunaah Kiya?
So yes, I stole it—what grave crime was that?

Jo Ek Halke Suroor Ne Bacha Liya.
When a gentle high came to my rescue.

Ek Hawa Chali, Mahki Champakali;
A breeze blew, carrying the scent of champak flowers.

Ek Sote Shehar Ko Kyun Utha Diya?
Why did it stir a city lost in sleep?

Wo Jo Karigari Teri, Jo Chhup Hi Gayi—
That hidden artistry of yours—

Kyun Ye Pee Ke Bhi Tujhko Na Bhoole Jiya?
Why does this heart still fail to forget you, even after drinking it all away?