Helly Luv – Yalla Habibi

Information

Artist: Helly Luv (Helan Abdulla)
Location: Kurdistan Region, Iraq & Finland
Copyright: OUD Production L.L.C.
Licensing: OUD Production L.L.C.
Intermediate: BMG Rights Management

Translator notes

“Yalla t3al” (يلا تعال) in the original lyrics could have been translated as “Come here” instead of my choice of “Come on, come here.” I chose the longer option based on the overall lyrics of the song, as it seemed more fitting.

“Hayati” (حياتي) could also have been translated as “My life,” which is closer to the root of the Arabic word, “Hayat” (حياة), meaning “Life.” However, this is a lesser-known usage in the English language. Hence, I chose “my dear,” which holds the same meaning.

For anyone who doesn’t know what a “darabuka” (دربوكة) is, it’s also known as a doumbek or goblet drum. It’s a goblet-shaped drum of Egyptian origin.

Subtitled music video

Subtitles

I can see that you’re thirsty.
You get down, I’ll get dirty.
Make you drool, know you want me.
Take it slow, there’s no hurry.
Smoke in the room makes you dizzy.
When I leave, you’re gonna miss me.
Blow you kisses when you kiss me.
Come on, come here, come get me.
My love, come on, come on.
I can see you want me, yeah.
My dear, come on, come on.
I can see you want me, yeah.
Boom, boom, darabuka.
I’ll play you like a darabuka.
I’m a sixteen shooter.
Boom, boom, darabuka.
Boom, boom, darabuka.
I’ll play you like a darabuka.
I’m a sixteen shooter.
Boom, boom, darabuka.
Oh, I burn like a shisha.
Look, don’t touch, Mona Lisa.
You’re addicted, I’m the dealer.
When we touch, you get the fever.
Boy, I’ve got a spell on you.
Move my body like a snake when I’m close to you.
Wrap you around my finger.
I am the queen of my kingdom.
My love, come on, come on.
I can see you want me, yeah.
My dear, come on, come on.
I can see you want me, yeah.
Boom, boom, darabuka.
I’ll play you like a darabuka.
I’m a sixteen shooter.
Boom, boom, darabuka.
Boom, boom, darabuka.
I’ll play you like a darabuka.
I’m a sixteen shooter.
Boom, boom, darabuka.
My love, come on, come on.
Darabuka-buka-buka.
My dear, come on, come on.
Darabuka-buka-buka.
My love, come on, come on.
Darabuka-buka-buka.
My dear, come on, come on.
Darabuka-buka-buka.
Boom, boom, darabuka.
I’ll play you like a darabuka.
I’m a sixteen shooter.
Boom, boom, darabuka.
Boom, boom, darabuka.
I’ll play you like a darabuka.
I’m a sixteen shooter.
Boom, boom, darabuka.