Na Raindee Hai by Arieb Azhar

Season 3 of Coke Studio began with a wonderful spoken word performance of Na Raindee Hai by Arieb Azhar, based on one of Bulleh Shah's timeless poems. A clever choice for the opening song, declaring "what's about to be spoken must be said." Broadcast June 6, 2010. In Punjabi with English translation.

Free downloads are available on the Coke Studio website.

Jal Pari (Mermaid) by Atif Aslam

Jal Pari by Atif Aslam is a great song; it sounds like a catchy pop song about mermaids as sirens of the sea, or a love song, and is essentially a spiritual song. But even if you were cynical, unromantic, and an atheist; you still might enjoy it as a story about the obsessive nature of love or superstition. Near the end, the song segues into a rendition of Tu Mera Dil Tu Meri Jaan previously recorded by Nasrat Fateh Ali Khan (thanks to Ricky Singh for pointing that out and translating it). From Coke Studio (Season 2, Episode 1, broadcast June 14, 2009). In Punjabi with English translation.

Free downloads are available on the Coke Studio website.

Yar Daddi by Ali Zafar

Yar Daddi by Ali Zafar is based on a 19th-Century Sufi poem by Khwaja Ghulam Farid. From Coke Studio (Season 2, Episode 3, broadcast July 12, 2009). In Saraiki with English translation.

Free downloads are available on the Coke Studio website.

Husn-e-Haqiqi by Arieb Azhar

Husn-e-Haqiqi by Arieb Azhar is based on a 19th-Century Sufi poem by Khwaja Ghulam Farid. From Coke Studio (Season Two, Episode 5, broadcast August 14, 2009). In Urdu with English translation.

Free downloads are available on the Coke Studio website.

Bulleya by Riaz Ali Khan

Bulleya is based on an 18th-Century poem by Bulleh Shah, where he addresses himself; contemplating our origin, identity, and relationship to the universe. The poem itself is a bit longer and now one of Bulleh Shah's best known, having been recorded by a variety of musicians including Junoon and Rabbi Shergill (whose versions are found on Youtube). This version has a smooth contemplative feel. From Coke Studio (Season 2, Episode 4, broadcast July 26, 2009). In Punjabi with English translation.

Free downloads are available on the Coke Studio website.

Dastan-e-Ishq by Ali Zafar

Also known as Dastaan (story), and written by Ali Zafar (singing) and Baqir Abbas (on flute). This song includes several lines by famous Sufi poets from Punjab, and references to the romantic legend of Heer Ranjha. Another great song from Coke Studio (Season 2, Episode 2, broadcast June 28, 2009). Thanks to Faiz and others who helped with the translation. In Punjabi with English translation.

Free downloads are available on the Coke Studio website.

Aik Alif by Saieen Zahoor and Noori

Based on an 18th-Century poem by Bulleh Shah, where he questions religious hypocrisy and himself, and realizes that what he's struggled to find is actually simple. A beautiful song from Coke Studio (Season 2, Episode 1, broadcast June 14, 2009). Noori includes brothers Ali Noor and Ali Hamza, who are reunited here with drummer Gumby. This was a joy to translate and there were many people interested in the meaning who helped out. In Punjabi with English translation.

This translation was mentioned in an article in The News International newspaper in Karachi.

Free downloads are available on the Coke Studio website.