A few days ago, Fairuz returned to the spotlight after a long absence.
Her appearance was due to the death of her son, Ziad Rahbani, who wrote and composed many of her songs—
most notably, for me: “Kifak Inta” (“How Are You”).

As soon as I saw the news, I went back to listen to the song.
But this time, I heard it differently…
Every line in that song felt clearer, closer.

How are you?
They say you have kids now.
I honestly thought you were still abroad.

I never knew that the story behind the song was truly about the two of them.
An offhand comment from Fairuz to her son turned into a song.
People thought it was about romantic love, but in truth, it was about a long absence and a simple—yet painful—question.

Today, when I listen to it, I remember my mother.

How she always checks on me, even over the smallest pain or slightest thing that happens.
That care and tenderness is a simple expression,
but it reflects the deep bond between a mother and her child.
And maybe we don’t notice these words when they’re first said…
But we return to them later—and realize their value.

These are the kinds of songs that live on—because there’s something real behind them.