Bilal Derky delivers a heartfelt ballad with ‘Maaoul,’ mixing traditional Arabic mawwal with modern storytelling. The singer questions a love that turned painful, asking, ‘All these thorns in our hands were once roses.’ Derky’s voice carries the weight of regret and longing, backed by a melody that mirrors the emotional journey.
Released: February 17, 2026
Maaoul
Bilal Derky
Maaoul Meaning & Lyrics (Bilal Derky)
The lyrics writer describes a love that refuses to fade, despite exhaustion and heartbreak. Lines like ‘If he’s built his dreams on you, how’s he going to forget you?’ capture the depth of attachment. The narrator’s plea for understanding and acceptance shows a raw vulnerability that defines the song.
MaaoulCould it be?
Kull hal shok yalli bi idayna jazat woroodAll these thorns in our hands were once roses.
Ghawana al-bo’d wa qassana wa ‘ama al-‘oyounDistance seduced us, hardened us, and blinded our eyes.
Ya qalbi al-qalb wa ma yahwa wa hawayt troohOh my heart, the heart wants what it wants, and you wanted to leave.
Fa leish tloom wa ana kull yalli sar min eediSo why do you blame me when everything that happened was my doing?
Maktoob ahwah ya sayyidi wa qool ansah wa ma feeniIt’s my fate to love him, my lord; I say I’ll forget, but I just can’t.
Wa ‘ahl mawwalAnd for those singing this ‘mawwal’ ‘a traditional vocal folk song’,
Qoloolo lo dari feeni yadari dmoo’i wa aneenitell him if he cared for me, he’d shield my tears and my groans.
‘Oyounak lo marrah hasso feeni ta’a mar wa s’alIf your eyes felt for me just once, come by and ask how I am.
Ana ma takhattaytI haven’t moved on.
Ma takhattaytI haven’t moved on.
Ma takhattaytI haven’t moved on.
Ana bas mallaytI’m just exhausted.
MallaytExhausted.
Wa hannaytAnd I’ve missed you.
Ana ma takhattaytI haven’t moved on.
Ma takhattaytI haven’t moved on.
Ma takhattaytI haven’t moved on.
Ana bas mallaytI’m just exhausted.
MallaytExhausted.
Wa hannaytAnd I’ve missed you.
Ta’al ahkeelak yalli bi qalbiCome, let me tell you what’s in my heart.
Ta’al wa jarrab afhamniCome and try to understand me.
Ahkeelak sho al-hubb ‘allamniLet me tell you what love’s taught me,
Min kull yalli sarfrom everything that’s happened.
Al-hubb moo binazrah au kilmahLove isn’t just a look or a word.
Al-hubb bas aghlat qabilniLove is just accepting me when I’ve messed up.
Al-hubb ahkeelak yalli bi qalbiLove’s telling you what’s in my heart,
Bas bla ma khafbut without any fear.
Wa ma hoon ‘alaykAnd I don’t matter to you.
Lo qalo ‘a ghiyabak moo mlaqi haloIf they said that in your absence, he hasn’t found himself,
Daye’ wa sawwadat ayyamohe’s lost and his days have turned black.
Wa bayin mushtaqAnd it’s clear he misses you.
Dallat ‘alayk nazratoHis gaze still lingers on you,
Shoqo mkhabba bi klamohis longing’s hidden in his words.
Lo bani ‘alayk ahlamoIf he’s built his dreams on you,
If you want to understand ‘Maaoul,’ the lyrics explore the struggle of unrequited love and emotional exhaustion. Bilal Derky’s warm vocals make this Arabic track unforgettable.
