Basel began his music career as a composer, vocalist, and professional oud artist, and has developed a reputation as successful musical leader and conductor. He has performed at many international music venues in various roles—featured artist, bandleader, conductor—in Sweden, Italy, France, Spain, Denmark, Lebanon, UK, US, Jordan, Egypt, and Palestine.
In addition, Basel is an experienced music educator with a background in music therapy. He holds a master’s degree from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama at City University of London. He lives in Massachusetts with his wife and two children, where he works as an artist, clinician, and educator.
Hada Leil
Basel Zayed Lyrics
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هذا بحر
بشو بدك اتعلق الاسامي والصور؟
هذا ليل ولا شو؟
هذا بحر
بشو بدك اتعلق الاسامي والصور؟
فيش حيطان ولا شجر، فيش وقت عشان تخاف
هذا ليل ولا شو؟
هذا بحر
بشو بدك اتعلق الاسامي والصور؟
هذا ليل ولا شو؟
هذا بحر
بشو بدك اتعلق الاسامي والصور؟
شو بدك تمشي؟
فيش وقت عشان تنسى
فيش وقت عشان تنسى
أكم خيمة، أكم عمر؟
شو بدك تقاتل؟
فيش وقت عشان تموت
وأنت واعدني بالفرح وبالأغاني وبالقمر
هذا ليل ولا شو؟
هذا بحر
بشو بدك اتعلق الاسامي والصور؟
In Basel Zayed's song "Hada Leil," the lyrics reflect on the concept of a night or a sea and explore the idea of attachment to names and images. The recurring refrain asks "Is this a night or what? Is this a sea? What do you want to hang on names and images for?" These questions suggest a sense of ambiguity and uncertainty, highlighting the complexity of the situation being described.
The following verse delves deeper into this ambiguity by stating that there are no walls or trees, indicating a lack of boundaries or reference points. The lyrics imply that there is no time to fear or to write poetry, and there is also no paper or ink to express oneself. This verse further emphasizes the disorienting and undefined nature of the situation.
The second iteration of the refrain reiterates the questions about a night or a sea and the attachment to names and images. This repetition emphasizes the theme and invites the listener to contemplate the significance of these inquiries.
The bridge of the song raises additional questions about actions and choices in this ambiguous setting. It asks what one wants to walk towards and forget, emphasizing that there may not be sufficient time to do so. It also questions the desire to fight, highlighting the limited time one has to live. However, amidst the uncertainty, the bridge mentions a promise of happiness, songs, and the moon, hinting at the possibility of finding joy and solace despite the unpredictable nature of the night or sea.
Overall, these lyrics evoke a sense of confusion, uncertainty, and the struggle to find meaning or purpose in a mysterious and ambiguous environment. They encourage listeners to reflect on their attachment to material things and names, suggesting that true happiness and fulfillment may be found by accepting and embracing the present moment rather than clinging to external factors.
Line by Line Meaning
هذا ليل ولا شو؟
Is this night or what?
هذا بحر
This is an ocean.
بشو بدك اتعلق الاسامي والصور؟
Why do you want to cling to names and images?
فيش حيطان ولا شجر، فيش وقت عشان تخاف
There are no walls or trees, there is no time to be afraid.
ولا وقت تكتب شعر فيش شي ورق أبيض ولا حبر
Nor is there time to write poetry, there is no white paper or ink.
شو بدك تمشي؟
Where do you want to go?
فيش وقت عشان تنسى
There is no time to forget.
أكم خيمة، أكم عمر؟
How many tents, how many ages?
شو بدك تقاتل؟
What do you want to fight for?
فيش وقت عشان تموت
There is no time to die.
وأنت واعدني بالفرح وبالأغاني وبالقمر
And you promised me happiness, songs, and the moon.
Writer(s): Basel Zayed
Contributed by Micah I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.