“Whispers & Wounds” by Dhanda Nyoliwala opens with a description of impossible events. The lyrics state that a powerful chieftain pledged his entire tribe for a single glance from a woman. This opening establishes a series of myth-like scenarios caused by her presence.
The song continues this catalogue of disruptions to the natural world. Her presence by a river reportedly makes fish lose their will to live. The verses also claim that holy charms become useless around her.
Tera Ke Bayaan Teri Ke DaastaanWhat words could describe you? What legend could tell your tale?
Tu Jis Gali Te GuzriWhichever street you walked upon,
Akal Te Logan Ti Andha Kar DiyaYou left the minds of men completely blind.
Teri Ek Nazar Pe Kise Sardaar NeFor just a single glance from you, a great chieftain
Kabeela Girvi Dhar Diyapledged his entire tribe.
Taabeez Beasar Fakeer Khade Reh GayeThe holy man’s charms became useless; the mystics were left standing still.
Shikaari Ke Tarkash Mein Teer Ghale Reh GayeThe arrows remained untouched in the hunter’s quiver.
Tu Dariya Kinaare Ke GayiYou walked along the river’s edge,
Machhli Ki Paani Mein Jeen Ki Aas Bujh Giand the will to live was extinguished in the fish below.
Sooraj Ne Baadal Ki Oat Le LiThe sun itself took cover behind the clouds,
Dhoop Ki Pyaas Bujh Giand the very thirst for sunlight was gone.
Nirdosh Faansi Ke Phandeyan Pe Jhool GayeInnocent men surrendered to the gallows’ sway.
Raatan Ne Jugnu Chamakna Bhool GayeAt night, the fireflies forgot how to shine.
Tanne Jis Jis Bhi Ped Ti Chhua ThaEvery single tree that you had touched,
Uske Patjhad Mein Bhi Phool Khile Hainbloomed with flowers even in the dead of autumn.
Jis Jis Ne Bhi Tere Te Chhoon Ki SochiAnd anyone who merely thought of touching you,
Ve Paagal Ho Gaye Dhoondha To Badi Door Mile Hainthey went insane and were found wandering far from home.
College Ke Kamre Ki Us Khidki Jiske Tere Haath Lage TheThat window in the college room, the one your hands once touched,
Kai Saal Te Tere Deewane Ne Uska Rang Ni Hon Diya Haifor years your admirer has not let anyone repaint it.
Ek Din Ek Lecture Ek Mez Pe Saath Laga Ke Tu Chali To GayiYou left after sharing a desk for a single lecture one day,
Uske Baad Teri Yaadan Ne Us Chhore Ko Kitni Raat Ni Son Diya Haibut since then, your memory hasn’t let that boy sleep for countless nights.
Tera Ishq Ibaadat Tu Koi Devi Ki Moorat HogiYour love is a prayer; you must be the idol of some goddess.
Tu Agar Haqeeqat Hogi To Kitni Khoobsurat HogiIf you are truly real, then how beautiful you must be.
The verses stack impossible events, from blinded men to fireflies forgetting how to shine. The song concludes with a personal admission: if she is real, her beauty must exceed these grand descriptions. The meaning of the ‘Whispers & Wounds’ lyrics comes from this final, humbling turn from a cosmic legend to a personal thought.