Khayal خيال by Kazdoura

“Khayal” (Shadow) is a Middle-Eastern neo-psychedelic track inspired by 60s and 70s Turkish rock. With a groovy bass line, Middle Eastern guitar, electric sitar, synths, and soulful saxophone, the song features enchanting vocal melodies in Syrian Arabic.

“Khayal” explores the struggles of a shadow person facing mental challenges, as their soul seeks answers and questions reality. This track sheds light on the emotional landscape of displacement, capturing the longing for connection and the quest for inner peace.

It sheds light on immigrants who have hardships and barriers to belonging. They’re physically somewhere but their souls are wandering away. They resist to let go of their past burdens.

Tracklist

1.	Khayal خيال	3:26

Lyrics

Lyrics:
شكلك بلا... لون
ما حدا انتبهلك …هون
قاعد بلا …صوت
شو هو سرك ...شو؟
متل الخيال لاحق سؤال
لبعيد تروح وين بتروح؟
ابقى شوي… شوي
ما تنسى روحك...خطي
مستني إيد…. مين؟
تشيلك من ماضي حزين
قلبك عطشان
صرلك زمان
بتخاف تقول
وشو بتقول؟

English translation:
Your appearance has no… color.
No one noticed your presence.. here.
You’re sitting quietly.
What’s your secret? What?
Like a shadow, You’re following a question.
You’re going far away. Where do you go?
Stay here for a bit.
Don’t lose yourself, poor soul
Waiting for a hand, whose hand? To pull you away from your heavy past.
Your heart is thirsty.
It’s been a while.
You’re afraid to speak. And what would you say?

Credits

released November 8, 2024
Song written and performed by Leen Hamo and John Abou Chacra.
Vocals by Leen Hamo.
Guitar, sax, and synths by John Abou Chacra.
Bass by Daniel Botos.
Keys and synths by Reef Hamadah.
Drums and percussion by Kodai Okuno.
Recorded engineering by David Matta and Tom Nixon.
Mixed and master by Tom Nixon.

Thanks to the honorable Canada Council for the Arts & Ontario Arts Council for supporting this project.

License