Wahran

Khaled's song 'Wahran' is a heartfelt ode to the city of Oran, Algeria, known as Wahran in Arabic. The lyrics express a deep sense of nostalgia and loss for the city, which the singer has left behind. The repeated phrase 'wahran, wahran, rohti khsara' translates to 'Oran, Oran, you are lost,' indicating a profound sense of sorrow and regret over the separation from his homeland. This sentiment is further emphasized by the lines 'gaadouk fil ghorba hyara,' meaning 'they left you in exile, confused,' and 'wil ghorba, s'eeba w ghaddara,' which translates to 'exile is hard and treacherous.' These lines capture the emotional turmoil and disorientation that come with being away from one's roots.

The song also celebrates the people and culture of Oran, particularly the 'wled il hamri' and 'wled mdina oo sidi el houari,' referring to the children of specific neighborhoods in Oran. Khaled reminisces about his youth spent with them, singing 'addeet maahom soghri, leehom, nghanni tool omri,' which means 'I spent my youth with them, I will sing for them all my life.' This highlights the strong bonds and cherished memories that tie him to his city and its inhabitants. The mention of 'sahriyaat bledi,' or 'the nights of my country,' and traditional musical instruments like 'il gasba wil gallali' further evoke the rich cultural heritage of Oran.

In the latter part of the song, Khaled addresses the changes and challenges faced by his homeland. He speaks of people abandoning their faith and traditions for material pursuits, as seen in the lines 'tarkou deenhom oo tabaou il kess,' meaning 'they left their religion and followed the cup.' This reflects a sense of disillusionment with the direction in which society is heading. Despite these changes, Khaled's love for Oran remains unwavering, as he declares 'omri ma nensa bledi, ardhhi, ardh jdedi,' translating to 'I will never forget my country, my land, the land of my ancestors.' The song concludes with a poignant expression of longing and sorrow, as he recalls the beauty of his homeland and the emotional impact of his separation from it.