Bai Bai Cover

Bai Bai

Arjan Dhillon

Bai Bai · 2020

Beltan na tang viah ch dikhaun nu

The purpose of my cinched belts is not merely for exhibition or to draw attention at social events like weddings.

Rakhe ni diwali te padake paun nu

My possession of weaponry isn't for the sole intention of discharging them ceremonially, akin to detonating fireworks during the Hindu festival of Diwali.

Beltan na tang viah ch dikhaun nu

I don't wear my tightly fitted belts solely for the purpose of showcasing them at festive occasions like weddings.

Rakhe ni diwali te padake paun nu

I do not acquire or keep firearms solely to discharge them without purpose, in the manner one would ignite festive crackers during the Diwali celebration.

Muddi ae goli vi kara ke parcha

Every time my bullets are deployed, a police report, or 'parcha' as it's known in Punjabi, is invariably registered, leading to official legal proceedings.

Aivein photoan karaun nu ni rakheya kude

Young lady, I haven't obtained them purely for the sake of theatrical photo opportunities.

Ho bai bai phirdi mandeer kardi

The youth consistently move about, respectfully referring to me as 'bai bai' – a Punjabi term used for an older brother or esteemed male figure.

Ni haje gabru nu baeevan hi tappeya kude

Yet, this spirited 'gabru', a term for a strapping young man, has merely celebrated his twenty-second birthday, young woman.

Ho bai bai phirdi mandeer kardi

The young crowd is frequently seen addressing me with deference, using the term 'bai bai,' which signifies respect for an older brother or respected individual.

Ni haje gabru nu baeevan hi tappeya kude

My dear, this virile 'gabru' – a strong, youthful man – has only just surpassed his twenty-second year of age.

Jinna ae jawanee da saroor sohnee-ay

The profound and exhilarating sense of intoxication from my youth that I experience, lovely lady,

Hai ni nashaa kise vi samaan ch billo

My dear 'billo', no other commodity or substance contains that identical powerful 'nashaa' (intoxicating feeling).

Mehfilan beghaniyan ch gall chal payee

My reputation has already started to be discussed and mentioned within various unfamiliar social circles and among strangers.

Haje khul ke vi aaye ni maidaan ch billo

Despite the fact that I haven't fully revealed my capabilities or stepped boldly into the 'maidaan' (public arena), my dear 'billo'.

Jinna ae jawanee da saroor sohnee-ay

The intense and delightful euphoria that comes with my youthful prime, beautiful woman,

Hai ni nashaa kise vi samaan ch billo

Dear 'billo', no other item or product offers the same degree of powerful 'nashaa', which refers to an intoxicating sensation.

Mehfilan beghaniyan ch gall chal payee

My name and reputation have already started to circulate in unfamiliar social settings and among groups where I am personally unknown.

Haje khul ke vi aaye ni maidaan ch billo

Yet, my 'billo', I have not fully or publicly stepped into the 'maidaan', which is a public arena or field of action.

Naakeyan ton lai ke sadda naa tapde

They skillfully navigate through police barricades and checkpoints by either mentioning my name or leveraging my influence.

Jinna rangeya deke wala nu rakheya kude

This includes even those young individuals who style their hair with dyes, dear girl, desiring to be associated with my standing and power.

Ho bai bai phirdi mandeer kardi

The youth of the area are seen moving about, habitually addressing me as 'bai bai', a respectful form of 'brother'.

Ni haje gabru nu baeevan hi tappeya kude

Young lady, this powerful young man has only recently passed the age of twenty-two.

Ho bai bai phirdi mandeer kardi

The local youth are continuously seen moving around, respectfully referring to me as 'bai bai', indicating a term of endearment and esteem.

Ni haje gabru nu baeevan hi tappeya kude

My girl, this strong young fellow has only just entered his twenty-third year of life.

Ho dina ch nabed deiye vair sohnee-ay

Beautiful lady, I resolve any disputes or animosities swiftly, typically within a few days.

Umran di laiye jithe pyar paayee da

Conversely, once I commit to genuine love, it is a lifelong dedication.

Riflan zubana billo dohein pakkiyan

My dear 'billo', both my firearms and my verbal pledges are unwavering and trustworthy.

Dogle bande di ni makaan jaayee da

I refuse to visit the residence or even acknowledge the existence of a deceptive or hypocritical person.

Ho dina ch nabed deiye vair sohnee-ay

Beautiful one, any rivalries or disagreements I encounter, I bring to a close within just a few days.

Umran di laiye jithe pyar paayee da

However, if true affection is formed, I dedicate myself to it for an entire lifetime.

Riflan zubana billo dohein pakkiyan

My 'billo', both my weapons and my promises are undeniably robust and reliable.

Dogle bande di ni makaan jaayee da

I would never set foot in the home or establishment of a duplicitous or two-faced individual.

Ho gall jadon turre turrdi bhadaud pind ton

When any conversation concerning me begins, it invariably starts with my native village of Bhadaur, a common Punjabi custom to identify one's origin.

Tera arjan adiyan da patteya kude

Young lady, your Arjan is widely recognized for his resolute will and persistent, unyielding character.

Ho bai bai phirdi mandeer kardi

The young populace consistently moves around, showing respect by addressing me as 'bai bai', which means 'brother'.

Ni haje gabru nu baeevan hi tappeya kude

Dear girl, this energetic young man has merely just turned twenty-two years old.

Ho bai bai phirdi mandeer kardi

Wherever the younger generation goes, they are heard respectfully greeting me as 'bai bai', a term of fraternal respect.

Ni haje gabru nu baeevan hi tappeya kude

My girl, this strong young fellow has only just entered his twenty-third year of life.

Karan stalk shehar diyan chhoriyan

Young women from the city often closely follow my social media presence or observe my whereabouts.

Maa de makhnee khaane da billo jhaaka marda

My 'billo', they are mesmerized by the assured presence of this 'maa de makhnee khaane da' – literally, 'mother's butter-fed one,' implying someone well-provided for and thus confident.

Laindiyan shokeeniyan salahan munde ton

Trendy young women frequently seek sartorial guidance from this specific individual.

Taur tappe bina jatt kithe saarda

How could a 'Jatt' – a term for a proud Punjabi landowner – conceivably get by without his distinctive swagger and authoritative aura?

Haje takk jammeya ni husan billo

My 'billo', such an enchanting beauty has not yet graced this world with her birth.

Jihne mittran nu mud ke ni takkeya kude

A beauty who wouldn't turn to offer a backward glance at me and my friends, young woman.

Ho bai bai phirdi mandeer kardi

The younger generation, wherever they go, consistently address me as 'bai bai', a deferential term for 'brother'.

Ni haje gabru nu baeevan hi tappeya kude

My dear girl, this strong young man has just barely completed his twenty-second year.

Ho bai bai phirdi mandeer kardi

The young community is perpetually circulating, showing reverence by calling me 'bai bai', a respectful form of address for an elder.

Ni haje gabru nu baeevan hi tappeya kude

Young lady, this sturdy young man has just recently exceeded his twenty-second year of age.