“Zendegi Chist”

"Zendegi Chist" is unlike most other Ahmad Zahir songs because of its relatively serious subject matter. The chorus, "Zindegi chist? Khoone dil khordan/ Zar deewarein arazoo mordan." means "What is life? Perpetual grief/ You die under a wall of hope." These lyrics are unlike Zahir's other well-known pop/dance jams. And quite confusing considering the theme of images presented in the video above.

Despite its relatively melancholic lyrics, the song has many covers; mostly by Afghan artist. Although its most popular rendition (according to Youtube) is by Iranian artist Mansour who gave "Zendegi Chist" a positive spin with new lyrics and an "I love life" video featuring him and a woman cruising in a Jeep on a sunny day. Mansour's summer drive is a vastly different aesthetic than what I imagine Zahir would've created, but it works for his audience.

As "Zendegi Chist" works for its listeners. Maybe a break from all the dance bops is necessary for Zahir's devotees. His ability to even make a sad tune enjoyable proves of his own versatility and musical genius. This song remains a classic because of its oddity among Zahir's other hits. It's sad, but still lyrically and rhythmically beautiful.