So here’s a confession: I suck at remembering boring grammar rules. Like bro, don’t talk to me about “present perfect continuous tense” — I already have continuous tension in life. But guess what I do remember? Song lyrics.
Yes, I still remember all the words to “Dil Dil Pakistan” from when I was 8. And also some random Atif Aslam heartbreak songs I never even wanted to memorize. They just… live in my brain rent-free.
That’s when it hit me: if songs can stick in my brain so easily, why not use that to learn English? And if you’re an Urdu speaker, trust me, this is the most fun way to practice without feeling like a school assignment.
Let’s break it down. Here are 5 stupidly fun methods.
Take any song you love — maybe “Tera Hone Laga Hoon” or “Afreen Afreen.” Now, try to translate it into English. Not perfectly, just for fun.
Example:
دل ڈھونڈتا ہے پھر وہی… → “My heart is searching again for the same vibe.”
Bro, is it perfect English? No. But are you learning how to express emotions in English? Absolutely yes.
Pro tip: The cheesier it sounds, the better you’ll remember.
Here’s how this works:
It’ll be silly, but your brain starts linking Urdu and English naturally. Plus, you’ll laugh so much that you won’t forget.
Example:
“Shape of you” → تمہاری شکل کا اثر ہے مجھ پر → then back into broken English like “Your shape is affecting me.” 😂
This one is chaos but so fun. Pick a famous Urdu song and try replacing half the lyrics with random English.
Like imagine singing ہوا ہوا، اے ہوا… as “Hawa Hawa, oh my friend, bring some tea.”
Does it make sense? Nope. Does it make English stick in your head? 100%.
Okay this one sounds boring but trust me it works. Every time you sing a song (Urdu or English), pause and write down 1–2 interesting words in English.
Like if you hear:
In one month you’ll have like 100+ fun words in your notebook that actually stick because they came from music.
This is the ultimate party game. Gather friends, and do a mashup: one line in Urdu, one line in English.
Example:
Friend 1 sings: دل دیا گلن…
You reply: “…let’s talk in English style.”
Is it cringe? YES. Is it unforgettable? DOUBLE YES. And guess what? You’re practicing English without even realizing.
Once I tried singing Coke Studio songs with English translations out loud. Bro… my mom walked into the room while I was saying: “Oh heart, do not be restless, your beloved is near.” She thought I was losing my mind. 😂
Moral of the story: Don’t worry if you sound stupid. That’s literally how learning works.
| Trick | How It Works | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Translate songs | Connect Urdu → English | دل = “Heart” |
| Reverse karaoke | English → Urdu → English | Shape of you → تمہاری شکل → Your shape |
| Replace lyrics | Mix languages | ہوا ہوا → “Hawa Hawa bring some tea” |
| Vocab notebook | Save words from songs | Ridiculous = بکواس |
| Mashups | Group learning game | Urdu + English lines |
Did you know some people on YouTube sing English versions of Urdu songs? Search for them. It feels weird at first but helps your brain connect faster.
Like imagine تاجدارِ حرم but in English. Mind = blown.
Check out YouTube for English covers of Urdu songs.
A: No bro. Otherwise half of us would speak only Atif Aslam-lyrics English. But it’s a GREAT supplement.
A: Then just keep using Urdu ones and translate. The trick still works.
A: Haha no. This is English practice, not Pakistan Idol.
A: Honestly, within weeks you’ll notice you’re thinking faster in English.
Learning English doesn’t have to feel like school punishment. If you love songs, USE songs. Play with lyrics, mix Urdu and English, laugh at your own cringe translations — that’s how real learning sticks.
And next time you’re singing Atif or Coke Studio in your room, just slip in a little English. Who knows, maybe one day you’ll be vibing with both languages like a pro.
Check out our free English course or take the English-Urdu Quiz to earn a free diploma at Urdupro.info. Happy singing!