Saint Levant developed Galbi Mani Nasi during a writing camp in Limoux in July 2023, marking a significant addition to his discography that demonstrates a blend of multiple musical influences and production techniques. This track is distinguished by its integration of diverse musical elements, showcasing the singer’s adeptness in creating a sound that is both contemporary and deeply rooted in various musical traditions.
The violin, played by Moez Bouali, is a standout feature of the song, providing a rich melodic layer that complements the track’s overall texture. Galbi’s chorus takes inspiration from the melodic structure of Djamel Laroussi’s Etoile Filante, creating a link between Saint Levant’s music and the broader canon of North African melodies. This interpolation not only pays homage to Laroussi’s work but also enriches the song’s cultural resonance.
Production-wise, Galbi emphasizes synths and soft pads, echoing a soft Afrobeat cadence. This choice contributes to a listening experience that is ethereal yet rhythmically engaging, suitable for both introspective listening and dance settings. The drum patterns in the track are influenced by Persian pop from the 80s and 90s, specifically recalling the style of Andy & Kouros’ Niloofar. This element of the production adds a nostalgic quality to the song, while simultaneously highlighting Marwan’s appreciation for the rhythmic foundations of Persian pop music.
The song’s creation involved contributions from Abdel Messous as the producer and Alex Bamba on bass, alongside Bouali’s violin performance. These collaborations were instrumental in achieving the song’s distinctive sound. An interesting aspect of the song’s development was Marwan’s approach to performing Galbi live before finalizing the second verse. This practice involved freestyling and top-lining during performances, illustrating his dynamic and adaptive approach to music-making.
The process of finalising the song included writing the second verse with the assistance of Naïka, further refining its lyrical content. The production’s “Bumble bass” and Bouali’s violin riff towards the song’s conclusion are key components that contribute to its unique sound profile, encapsulating the collaborative spirit and technical craftsmanship that define the track.
Overall, Galbi is a testament to SL’s skill in navigating a complex array of musical genres and influences. By weaving together elements of North African melodies, soft Afrobeat, and Persian pop, he creates a multifaceted auditory experience that reflects his diverse musical influences and innovative production techniques.
j’ai mis ma main dans le feu
mais t’a pas aidée
j’ai tout donné
pour te garder
t’a pas idée
i put some weight up on my shoulders
on the way
but you don’t see it that way
j’ai mis ma main dans le feu
mais t’a pas aidée
j’ai tout donné
et toi ta tout abanndoné
i put some weight up on my shoulders
on the way
but you don’t see it that way
on se fait mal
on s’éloigne
et tu reviens pas
on se fait mal
on s’éloigne
mais tu reviendras
والله قلبي ماني ناسي
قلبي ماني ناسي
قلبي ماني ناسي
هالأيام
والله قلبي ماني ناسي
قلبي ماني ناسي
قلبي ماني ناسي
هالأيام
wallahi there’s nobody like you
girl I had to
and even when you’re in a bad mood
je t'offrirais la lune
just to have you
my love
there's nothing in this world
that makes me change my mind
i want you forever
girl you’ll always be mine
you say that my efforts are a waste of time
but I don’t see it that way
on se fait mal
on s’éloigne
et tu reviens pas
on se fait mal
on s’éloigne
mais tu reviendras
والله قلبي ماني ناسي
قلبي ماني ناسي
قلبي ماني ناسي
هالأيام
والله قلبي ماني ناسي
قلبي ماني ناسي
قلبي ماني ناسي
هالأيام
i put my hand in the fire
j’ai mis ma main dans le feu
حطيت إيدي بالنار
but you didn’t help
mais t’a pas aidée
بس ما ساعدتيني
i gave my everything
j’ai tout donné
اعطيتك كل شي
to keep you
pour te garder
لحافظ عليكي
you have no clue
t’a pas idée
ما عندك اي فكرة
j'ai mis du poids sur mes épaules
i put some weight up on my shoulders
حطيت وزن على كتافي
en chemin
on the way
عالطريق
mais tu ne le vois pas comme ça
but you don’t see it that way
بس ما بتشوفيها بهالطريقة
i put my hands in fire
j’ai mis ma main dans le feu
حطيت إيدي بالنار
but you didn’t help
mais t’a pas aidée
بس ما ساعدتيني
i gave everything
j’ai tout donné
أعطيت كل شيء
and you abandoned it all
et toi ta tout abanndoné
وأنتي تخليتي عن كل شي
j'ai mis du poids sur mes épaules
i put some weight up on my shoulders
حطيت وزن على كتافي
en chemin
on the way
عالطريق
mais tu ne le vois pas comme ça
but you don’t see it that way
بس ما بتشوفيها بهالطريقة
we hurt each other
on se fait mal
بنآذي بعض
we drift apart
on s’éloigne
بنبعد عن بعض
but you don’t come back
et tu reviens pas
بس ما بترجعي
we hurt each other
on se fait mal
بنآذي بعض
we drift apart
on s’éloigne
بنبعد عن بعض
but you’ll come back
mais tu reviendras
بس رح ترجعي
mon cœur n'oubliera pas
والله قلبي ماني ناسي
my heart won’t forget
mon cœur n'oubliera pas
قلبي ماني ناسي
my heart won’t forget
mon cœur n'oubliera pas
قلبي ماني ناسي
my heart won’t forget
ces jours-ci
هالأيام
these days
mon cœur n'oubliera pas
والله قلبي ماني ناسي
my heart won’t forget
mon cœur n'oubliera pas
قلبي ماني ناسي
my heart won’t forget
mon cœur n'oubliera pas
قلبي ماني ناسي
my heart won’t forget
ces jours-ci
هالأيام
these days
wallahi il n'y a personne comme toi
wallahi there’s nobody like you
والله ما في حدا زيك
je t'ai présenté à maman
girl I had to
عَرَّفتك على ماما
j'ai dû le faire
and even when you’re in a bad mood
يا بنت اضطريت
i’d give you the moon
je t'offrirais la lune
رح إهديكي القمر
juste pour t'avoir
just to have you
بس عشان أقدر كون معك
mon amour
my love
حبيبتي
il n'y a rien dans ce monde
there's nothing in this world
ما في شي بهالدنية
qui me fait changer d'avis
that makes me change my mind
بيقدر يغيّرلي رأيي
je te veux pour toujours
i want you forever
بدي ياكي للأبد
tu seras toujours à moi
girl you’ll always be mine
يا بنت، دايماً رح تبقي لي
tu dis que mes efforts sont une perte de temps
you say that my efforts are a waste of time
بتقولي إنو جهدي مضيعة وقت
Je l’voit pas comme ça
but I don’t see it that way
بس ما بشوفها هيك
we hurt each other
on se fait mal
بنآذي بعض
we drift apart
on s’éloigne
بنبعد عن بعض
and you don’t come back
et tu reviens pas
وما بترجعي
we hurt each other
on se fait mal
بنآذي بعض
we drift apart
on s’éloigne
بنبعد عن بعض
but you’ll come back
mais tu reviendras
بس رح ترجعي
mon cœur n'oubliera pas
والله قلبي ماني ناسي
my heart won’t forget
mon cœur n'oubliera pas
قلبي ماني ناسي
my heart won’t forget
mon cœur n'oubliera pas
قلبي ماني ناسي
my heart won’t forget
ces jours-ci
هالأيام
these days
mon cœur n'oubliera pas
والله قلبي ماني ناسي
my heart won’t forget
mon cœur n'oubliera pas
قلبي ماني ناسي
my heart won’t forget
mon cœur n'oubliera pas
قلبي ماني ناسي
my heart won’t forget
ces jours-ci
هالأيام
these days