kasid ke aate aate khat ek aur likh rakhu
mai janta hu jo wo likhenge jawab me
kab se hu kya batau jahane kharab me
kab se hu kya batau jahane kharab me
shab haye hizar ko bhi rakhu gar hisab me

mujh tak kabhu ki bazm me aata tha daure jaam
mujh tak kabhu ki bazm me aata tha daure jaam
saki ne kuch mila na diya ho sharab me

tafir na intzar me nind aaye umar bhar
tafir na intzar me nind aaye umar bhar
aane ka ahad kar gaye aaye jo khwab me
ghalib chhuti sharab par ab bhi kabhi kabhi
ghalib chhuti sharab par ab bhi kabhi kabhi
peeta hu roz-e-abru sabi mahtab me
kab se hu kya batau jahane kharab me
shab haye hizar ko bhi rakhu gar hisab me

Before the messenger arrives, another letter I shall pen,
Knowing the words they'll send, a response I can't suspend.
Since when, in this world's decay, have I been a thread?
Since when, in this world's decay, have I been a tread?
If I were to count the nights of absence, their weight would spread.

Once, in a gathering, the cup's round reached my hand,
Once, in a gathering, the cup's round reached my strand.
Has the cupbearer mixed something more in the wine's command?

Infidel, in waiting, sleep deserts me through the years,
Infidel, in waiting, sleep deserts me, filled with fears.
They promised to come, yet only in dreams they appear,
Ghalib, I've forsaken drink, but sometimes I still shed tears,
Ghalib, I've forsaken drink, but sometimes I still feel cheers,
I drink in the face of honor, on nights the moon endears.
Since when, in this world's decay, have I been held near?
If I were to count the nights of absence, their weight would appear.