Released: 2023
Features: Sia, Greg Kurstin
Right on the money! Let’s take a deep dive into Diljit Dosanjh’s “Hass Hass”, an infectiously catchy number that shows off the robust Punjabi pop scene while also bringing in the western pop sensibilities of Sia and Greg Kurstin. By blending the narrations of love, longing and flirtation in both Punjabi and English, our trio creates a mesmerizing cultural sound soup!
We kick off with Sia’s ethereal and beguiling voice setting the stage with, “I’m gon’ take your breath away”, which in pop lingo points to something extraordinary and breath-taking coming your way, here, the central theme being a romance that’s tantalizing and intoxicating.
Diljit croons in Punjabi, starting off with “ਤੁੱਧੂਂ ਜੋ ਮਿਲੀ ਜਾਪੇ ਕੋਈ ਹਾਣ ਦਾ” which translates to “Since I met you, I feel like I have won something.” This depicts the feeling of triumph and exhilaration often associated with finding love. The titular line “ਹੱਸ ਹੱਸ ਸੂਲ਼ੀ ਉੱਤੇ ਚਾੜ੍ਹੇ ਗੱਭਰੂ” is an assertive statement that can be broken down to “Even if you want to take my heart, you have to do it laughing while facing hardships.” it adds to the picture of an intense and passionate love that’s ready to defy odds with happiness.
Sia then injects a reassurance with “‘Cause I will hold you, baby” underlining the commitment and support in the relationship, while tipping her hat to the trope of resilience within the pop genre. Further into the song, Diljit paints a quintessential romantic scene with the line “ਬੀਚ ਉੱਤੇ ਹੱਥਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਵਾਇਨ ਨੀ”, which translates to “Wine glasses in hand on the beach,” traditional pop metaphors for a perfect romantic getaway.
The song wraps up with touching lines “ਦਿਲ ਤੈਨੂੰ ਦੇ ਦਿੱਤਾ ਮੈਂ ਤਾਂ ਸੋਹਣਿਆ” and “ਮਰਨਾ ਮੈਂ ਤੇਰੀਆਂ ਬਾਂਹਾਂ ‘ਚ ਚੰਨ ਵੇ”, which translates to “I have given you my heart, beautiful” and “I would like to die in your arms”. These lyrics depict a deep and committed love – a hallmark of many pop songs both east and west of the Punjab.
So there you have it, “Hass Hass” is a musically delicious Punjabi-English pop fusion that narrates a tale of fervent love, thriving resilience and undying commitment.
