Salute Lyrics – Sikandar (Feat. Bohemia)

The meaning behind the Punjabi song “Salute” by Sikandar, featuring the absolute legend Bohemia, is kind of layered, you know? It came out under Humble Music, and the whole concept was actually dreamed up by Rony Ajnali and Gill Machhrai, who then handed it over to Sikandar and Bohemia to bring it to life. And what they created isn’t just a banger, it’s a statement. It’s basically this raw, proud declaration from a self-made person. The “salute” they’re talking about? It ain’t something they’re asking for politely. It’s what they’ve earned through their own hustle and struggle, a respect carved out from a life that wasn’t handed to them.

Right, so digging into the verses, the theme is all about that self-made journey and the toughness it builds. Sikandar starts off painting this picture of living life freely, like a peacock, but immediately contrasts it with those who live in fortified homes, you know, “kille vich.” He’s saying plenty of people fly high, but he’s out there hunting them down, which is a crazy way to talk about competition. His whole circle is “og” or original, and he’s calling out all the fake people around him who just tell lies face-to-face. Then Bohemia’s verse, man, it hits different. He gets super personal, talking about how he found many changing faces (“badal-badal roop”) and weapons aimed at him, but never found real success in writings or through inheritance. His success is his own. He name-drops places from Abu Dhabi to Karachi to show how far his reputation travels, all from his own pen and his own hustle, calling himself an “international icon” after making noise across five villages. It’s this cool blend of street pride and artistic confidence.

Now, the chorus is where the whole point gets hammered home, line by line. “Virse ch jatt nu salute mile ne” – In inheritance, the person gets salutes. It’s a bit sarcastic, implying that respect that comes from family name is cheap. Then it pivots to their reality: “aou ajj phir honi aa haveli di talashi chaati / vairiya di chape saade boot mile ne.” This means, “Come on, today again there will be a search of the mansion’s chest, from the pressure of enemies, we get boots.” That’s wild. It says that while the privileged get polite searches, they get the boots of enemies pressing down on them – their respect comes from conflict and survival. The next line, “karaan vintage launda ve sandook mile ne” is fascinating. It translates to “I do vintage, look, I get trunks.” It’s like saying his style is classic, timeless, and because of that, he earns these treasure chests. Not inheritances, but chests he’s won himself.

For me, the most unique and impactful lines are from Bohemia’s part: “sire janun mere mainu jithey bina na sukoon mile / abu dhabi to karachi to leke charche khen khoon mere.” It means “I know, my dear, I get no peace without winning / from Abu Dhabi to Karachi, talks are about my blood.” That hits so hard. The first part shows this relentless drive where only victory brings calm. The second isn’t just about fame; it’s that people aren’t just talking about his music, they’re talking about his very blood, his essence, his struggle. It frames his entire identity as the subject of conversation across continents, which is a powerful way to say his life story itself is his legacy, not just his songs. That’s what makes the “salute” earned, not given.