ek bar beta mujhe kah de tu ma
ek bar beta mujhe kah de tu ma
kadmo me tere rakh du dono jaha
ek bar beta mujhe kah de tu ma
kadmo me tere rakh du dono jaha
ek bar beta mujhe kah de tu ma

meri in aankho me teri surat na thi
mandir me jaise koi murat na thi
roya nahi mai lag ke tere gale
soya nahi mai tere aanchal tale
koi lori gake sula de mamta ke jhule me jhula de
matha chum ke aaj dua de mera bachpan vapas la de
kyu pas hoke, kyu pas hoke bhi hai ye duriya

patjhad bitega aayegi phir se bahar
badlega mausam aise himmat na har
dil me ummido wala deepak jala
jayega andhera sathi rakh honsla
kaliya usko milti hai jo kanto pe chalta hai
khushiya uski kismat me jo sholo pe jalta hai
jhukne laga hai, jhukne laga hai dekh wo aasma

Once, son, just once, call me "Mother,"
Before your feet, I'd lay down all the world, another.
Once, son, just once, call me "Mother."

My eyes held not your face, a painted hue,
Like a temple without its sacred view.
I did not weep, embracing your young frame,
Nor slumber deep, beneath your tender name.
Sing a lullaby, rock me in love's sway,
Kiss my brow, and bless me today,
Bring back my childhood, let it replay.
Why, though close, do these distances stay?

The autumn fades, and spring will bloom anew,
The seasons shift, but courage will see you through.
Light the lamp of hope within your heart's core,
Darkness departs, keep faith and forevermore.
The blossoms grace those who tread thorns' sharp sting,
Joy finds the brave, who in flames choose to sing.
Now bowing low, observe the heavens above, the sky's lore.