PILLOWTALK by Zayn is about the war in Kashmir

[Climb on board We'll go slow and high tempo Light and dark Hold me hard and mellow]

He starts off rather subtly. Here is referring to how the war in Kashmir has been historically. There were three instances when there was full fledged war ie 1947, 1992 and 1999, but mostly it has been about cross border skirmishes. They continue to this day. Much like his description, the situation there has ebbed and flowed.

[I'm seeing the pain, seeing the pleasure]

Here we explore why Kashmir is important. It’s not just that it is in a strategically important zone between neighbouring countries of India, Pakistan, and China. It’s also about the rivers flowing through the region that are a vital water supply to Pakistan. But holding Kashmir has been a nuisance for all sides. Hence the pleasure and the pain.

[Nobody but you, 'body but me, 'body but us Bodies together I love to hold you close, tonight and always I love to wake up next to you I love to hold you close, tonight and always I'd love to wake up next to you]

This may refer to politicians’ obsession with Kashmir. Indians think of Kashmir mostly in relation to their map and it stands out as the country’s head. Separating it from the rest would the country ‘headless’. On the other hand, for Pakistan, Kashmir is that one Muslim dominated state, that should logically have joined Pakistan during the independence.

[So we'll piss off the neighbours]

A reference to how the neighbouring countries tend to piss each other off by occupying the others area, or by starting cross border skirmish.

[In the place that feels the tears The place you lose your fears Yeah, reckless behaviour A place that is so pure, so dirty and raw]

Kashmirs population has over the years seen atrocities committed by both sides. They have lost their family members, their prosperity and their homes. Indeed it is a place of tears and fears for them.

And all this is thanks to reckless behaviour by authorities and militants. An infamous Indian phrase regarding Kashmir translates to: if you ask for milk, we will give you kheer, but if you ask for Kashmir, we will slice you. Yeah.

The last line refers to how Kashmir as a place is known for its purity, be it its saffron or its cashmere or pashmina.

[Be in the bed all day, bed all day, bed all day Fucking in, fighting on]

Here is where the subtleness starts going away. Bed all day? Listen to it and say it out loud. It sounds like battle day. Fucking or fighting? Is there a difference here.

[It's our paradise and it's our war zone It's our paradise and it's our war zone]

And now the veil is gone. Kashmir is oft referred to as paradise on earth by the people of the subcontinent. A famous quote by Mughal Emperor Jehangir also refers to this: if there is heaven on earth, it is here, it is here, it is here. Let’s not forget that the word paradise has its origin in the word “walled garden” and the lush valleys of Kashmir evoke a similar image.

[Pillow talk My enemy, my ally Prisoners Then we're free, it's a thin line.]

War is about enemies and allies. A lot of Kashmiri citizens consider themselves prisoners of the state and ask for just one thing- freedom or azaadi.

Is it a coincidence that Zayn or Zain Malik hails from Pakistan? Maybe? Maybe not?

What are your thoughts? Do let me know!