"صبحي الجيز - My comrade"
Arabic:
رفيقي صبحي الجيز
تركني عالأرض وراح
رفيقي صبحي الجيز
حطّ المكنسة وراح
ما قلّي شو بقدر أعمل لملايين المساكين
رفيق، يا رفيق، وينك يا رفيق
حمّلتني اشيا كتيرة، حجار وغبرة وصناديق
غيّرتلّي اسمي الماضي، عملتلّي اسمي رفيق
رفيق، ما عندي رفيق، ورح يبقى اسمي رفيق
عم فتّش عواحد غيرك، عم فتّش عواحد متلك
يمشي، يمشي بمشي
يمشي ومنكفّي الطريق
English: (Literal)
My comrade Sobhi el Jeez
Left me on Earth, and went
My comrade Sobhi el Jeez
Put his broom aside, and went
He didn't tell me what I can do
To millions of poor (people)
Comrade, O comrade
Where are you, O comrade?
You made me carry a lot of things
Stones, dust and boxes...
You changed my past name, you made it "Comrade"
I'm searching for someone other than you
I'm searching for someone like you
So that he walks...
So that he walks, and I walk...
So that we both walk and continue the path
English: (Liberal)
My comrade Sobhi el Jeez
Left me on Earth, and went away (died)
My comrade Sobhi el Jeez
Put his broom aside, and went away
He didn't tell me what I can do
To the millions of poor people
Comrade, O comrade
Where are you, O comrade?
You made me carry a lot of things
Stones, dust and boxes...
You made me change my old name to "Comrade"
I'm searching for someone else
I'm searching for someone like you
So that he walks...
So that he walks, and I walk with you...
So that we walk and continue down the path
Explanation:
The song is about a sweeper, called Sobhi el Jeez, who died in the civil war. It's some sort of a tribute to, through Sobhi, all the people who were killed for no reason other than being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Sobhi is a character in a play written by Ziad el Rahbani that was never performed on stage. The play talks about a young artist who becomes friends with a waste collector (Sobhi el Jeez), and who gets introduced to the thoughts and values of the communist party because of that man. One day, that artist comes to see Sobhi in his usual spot, only to find him dead because of the cold he had to endure while working on the streets*.
The song is about a sweeper, called Sobhi el Jeez, who died in the civil war. It's some sort of a tribute to, through Sobhi, all the people who were killed for no reason other than being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Sobhi is a character in a play written by Ziad el Rahbani that was never performed on stage. The play talks about a young artist who becomes friends with a waste collector (Sobhi el Jeez), and who gets introduced to the thoughts and values of the communist party because of that man. One day, that artist comes to see Sobhi in his usual spot, only to find him dead because of the cold he had to endure while working on the streets*.
In the original 1976 recording of the song, artist Khaled el Habr is the lead singer and plays the drums and guitar. The introductory sentence says:
"This song is dedicated to my comrade and friend, who used to work as a waste collector and was martyred, called Sobhi el Jeez."
"This song is dedicated to my comrade and friend, who used to work as a waste collector and was martyred, called Sobhi el Jeez."
When it comes to Fairouz, Ziad declared that she wanted to perform this song regardless of its communist implications. She thought that people would listen to it and understand its meanings from a humanitarian stance**.
Interestingly, Khaled el Habre participated in the new version as backing vocalist.
Interestingly, Khaled el Habre participated in the new version as backing vocalist.
Song: Sobhi el Jeez
Lyrics and Music: Ziad el Rahbani
Video references: Sobhi el Jeez-1976 & Sobhi el Jeez-2002
Main reference:
Other references:
* Here
"No, really-لا والله"
Arabic:
كلمة كلمة يا حبيبي تأفهم عليك
أو فتّش عن غيري بيفهم اذا رح تبقى هيك
يكون بيحكي بسرعة قدك ما يسمع عليك
بتشارع ضيعة يا حبيبي وما بتقدر عليك
بدك دولة أو شي أمة أو أكبر من هـيك
يمكن كوكب أو شي أكبر تيستوعب ليك
ولك بس هوه هيه .. وين بعلمي العقل كبير
مش سم وهم وغم وذم وقدح وتشهير
بتحكي فوقي بحكي فوقك, شو رح نستفيد؟
صدقني يوماً عن يومٍ حكيك عم بزيد
بتقلّي: بتضلي تعيدي وأنت ال-عم تعيد
ومأكد دايماً من كل شي و ما في شي أكيد
مبشّرني بأسعد مستقبل، اي منلّو السعيد؟
هو عشر عصافير عالشجرة وما في واحد باليد
يا ريت بتعمل شي علناً كله عالسكيت
أو فتّش عن غيري بيفهم اذا رح تبقى هيك
يكون بيحكي بسرعة قدك ما يسمع عليك
بتشارع ضيعة يا حبيبي وما بتقدر عليك
بدك دولة أو شي أمة أو أكبر من هـيك
يمكن كوكب أو شي أكبر تيستوعب ليك
ولك بس هوه هيه .. وين بعلمي العقل كبير
مش سم وهم وغم وذم وقدح وتشهير
بتحكي فوقي بحكي فوقك, شو رح نستفيد؟
صدقني يوماً عن يومٍ حكيك عم بزيد
بتقلّي: بتضلي تعيدي وأنت ال-عم تعيد
ومأكد دايماً من كل شي و ما في شي أكيد
مبشّرني بأسعد مستقبل، اي منلّو السعيد؟
هو عشر عصافير عالشجرة وما في واحد باليد
يا ريت بتعمل شي علناً كله عالسكيت
حاجة تنفخ دخنة بوجّي و لو بتدخن لايت
كيف طلّ الورد بشباكي مع أنو ما دقيت؟
يا ريت إنت و أنا بالبيت .. بس كل واحد ببيت
فعلاً حلوة هالغنية بس جداً سمّيت
حجرة حجرة يا حبيبي منقدر نبني بيت
كيف طلّ الورد بشباكي مع أنو ما دقيت؟
يا ريت إنت و أنا بالبيت .. بس كل واحد ببيت
فعلاً حلوة هالغنية بس جداً سمّيت
حجرة حجرة يا حبيبي منقدر نبني بيت
زرت الشارقة وقطر ومسقط، جدة والكويت
ورجعت منفّض ولا قرش مجمّع ولا خبّيت
كرسي كرسي يا حبيبي من الحيط للحيط
عازم كل الضيعة يا قلبي وما بيساع البيت
اذا ناوي بهالشكل تأسس رجعني عالبيت
أنا كلّ اللي عندي قلتو والباقي عليك
هي كلمة يا ريت .. عمرها ما عمرت بيت
ورجعت منفّض ولا قرش مجمّع ولا خبّيت
كرسي كرسي يا حبيبي من الحيط للحيط
عازم كل الضيعة يا قلبي وما بيساع البيت
اذا ناوي بهالشكل تأسس رجعني عالبيت
أنا كلّ اللي عندي قلتو والباقي عليك
هي كلمة يا ريت .. عمرها ما عمرت بيت
English:(Literal)
(Say) one word at a time, baby, so that I understand
Or look for someone else who understands, if you'll remain like that
(Someone) who speaks as fast as you, and doesn't listen to you
You'd argue with a village, baby, and it can't beat you
You need a country or a nation or something that's bigger than that
Maybe a planet, or something bigger, to assimilate what you're saying
Enough then! Hey, all I knew that (you had) a big brain
Enough then! Hey, all I knew that (you had) a big brain
Not anger, worries, gloom, slander and libel
You wanna speak (over) me, I will speak (over) you, but what good will do us?
You wanna speak (over) me, I will speak (over) you, but what good will do us?
Believe me, one day after the other, you're talking is increasing
You tell me:"you keep repeating", and it's you who's repeating
And you're certain of everything, and nothing is certain
You're promising of the happiest future, but how is it happy?
Here are the 10 birds on the tree, and nothing in the hand
I wish you'd do something in public, everything is (done) silently
I wish you'd do something in public, everything is (done) silently
Stop blowing smoke in my face, and please smoke "Light"
How did the roses appear at my window, although you didn't knock*
I wish..you and I were at home...but each is at a (different) house*
Indeed that's a beautiful song, but I really got pissed off (now).
One stone after the other, we can build a house
One stone after the other, we can build a house
You visited Sharjah, Qatar, Muskat, Jeddah and Kuwait
And you returned broke, not a penny did you collect nor save
One chair (next to the other), baby, from one wall to the next
You've invited the entire village, Oh my heart, and the house doesn't fit (them all)
If you're planning on founding like that, take me back home.
I said all what I have, and the rest is up to you
The word "I wish", never made a house.
I said all what I have, and the rest is up to you
The word "I wish", never made a house.
English: (Liberal)
Speak slowly, baby, so that I understand what you’re saying
Speak slowly, baby, so that I understand what you’re saying
Or else look for someone who understands, if you wanna stay like that
Someone who speaks as fast as you, and doesn’t listen to you
Nobody can beat you in argumentation
You might need a country, or a nation (Umma) or something that’s even bigger
Maybe a planet, or something bigger, to assimilate what you’re saying
Enough then! Hey, I always thought you were rational
Enough then! Hey, I always thought you were rational
Not a man of anger, worries, gloom, slander and libel
You wanna raise your voice; I will raise my voice and talk back
You wanna raise your voice; I will raise my voice and talk back
But what good will it do?
Believe me, you’re only getting more talkative as days go by
You say: “You keep repeating (yourself)”, while it’s actually you who’s repeating
And you’re always certain of everything, while nothing is certain.
You’re promising me of the brightest future, but how will it be bright?
Both birds are in the bush and there’s nothing in the hand.
How I wish you’d do something in public, you do everything inconspicuously
How I wish you’d do something in public, you do everything inconspicuously
Stop blowing smoke in my face, and I wish you’d smoke “Light”
How did the roses appear at my window, though you didn’t knock on it?
How I wish…You and I were home…But each one of us lives in a different home.
That indeed is a beautiful song, but I really got upset now.
With time and determination, one will build a house
You've been to Sharjah, Qatar, Muskat, Jeddah and Kuwait
But you returned (To Lebanon) without any savings
Add the chairs, one after another, from the first wall to the next one (across the room)
You have invited everybody in the village, and the house can't fit them all
If you wanna establish your life the way you're preparing things right now, take me back home.
I said everything I had in mind, and the rest is up to you
(So see what you have to do now because future regrets won't do you any good)
Explanation:
The first thing you notice about this song is the sarcastic tone of the poet: The guy apparently can't bear losing an argument. He talks as if he had definitive answers for everything. He especially uses this technique to convince the girl he's willing to marry that he is ready to commit, both financially and emotionally. It seems the girl has many worries about their future, but the guy keeps promising her that everything is going to be alright.
The first starred song used as a reply to an old song of Fairouz called "Da'ayt"
The song goes like this:
The second starred sentence is also used as a reply to an old song of Fairouz called "Ya rayt".
The song goes like this:
With time and determination, one will build a house
You've been to Sharjah, Qatar, Muskat, Jeddah and Kuwait
But you returned (To Lebanon) without any savings
Add the chairs, one after another, from the first wall to the next one (across the room)
You have invited everybody in the village, and the house can't fit them all
If you wanna establish your life the way you're preparing things right now, take me back home.
I said everything I had in mind, and the rest is up to you
(So see what you have to do now because future regrets won't do you any good)
Explanation:
The first thing you notice about this song is the sarcastic tone of the poet: The guy apparently can't bear losing an argument. He talks as if he had definitive answers for everything. He especially uses this technique to convince the girl he's willing to marry that he is ready to commit, both financially and emotionally. It seems the girl has many worries about their future, but the guy keeps promising her that everything is going to be alright.
The first starred song used as a reply to an old song of Fairouz called "Da'ayt"
The song goes like this:
(I knocked, roses appeared at the window) دقّيت، طلّ الورد عالشبّاك
(Where is she? He got bewildered and stopped talking) وينها ؟ .. تلبك ما عاد يحكي
The song goes like this:
(How I wish,that you and I were in the same home) يا ريت انت وأنا بالبيت
(Any home, the farthest home) شي بيت، أبعد بيت
So I imagine the guy singing these songs to the girl in an attempt to express his love, and her answers come as the starred sentences.
Also relevant is the third stanza, where it is made clear that the guy is someone who likes to rush things up and therefore he has made some unfortunate professional decisions. He's been to Sharjah (in UAE), Qatar, Muskat (capital of Oman), Jeddah (in KSA), and Kuwait. It is very normal for a Lebanese to go work in these cities as he gets well paid and stays relatively close to his homeland. This "gulf period" has become almost a must in each Lebanese guy's early work life. I provided a map for the Arab world below.
Moving on, it seems the guy has invited all the people in the village (possibly for the engagement party) without taking into consideration that the house is too small to fit them all. It is then that the girl says: if you want to make a family like this (i.e without planning), take me back home (to my parents house).
Finally, it's worth mentioning that the music of this song is inspired from Brazilian traditional "Lapampa" tunes.
Finally, it's worth mentioning that the music of this song is inspired from Brazilian traditional "Lapampa" tunes.
Song: "La walla"
Lyrics: Ziad Al Rahbani
Music: Lieber/Stoller
Music: Lieber/Stoller
"The autumn leaves- بيذكّر بالخريف"
Arabic
بتذكرك كل ما تجي لتغيّم
وجك بيذكر بالخريف
بترجعلي كل ما الدني بدّا تعتّم
متل الهوى اللي مبلّش عالخفيف
القصة مش طقس يا حبيبي
هي قصة ماضي كان عنيف
بس هلّق ما بتذكّر شكل وجك
بس بذكر قدّيش كان أليف
بعدو أليف، بعدك ظريف
وبعدو بيعنيلك متلي الخريف
خبرني انت بعدك بتحن؟
مابعرف ليش عم بحكي ولا كيف
يمكن... لا،لا، صاروا بعاد
وهو حكياتي... هو حكي ولاد
لكن كلّو ما عم يمنع اشتقلك
مادام كل سنة في خريف
English: (literal)
I remember you
Every time it starts getting cloudy
Your face reminds of the autumn
You come back to me every time it's about to get dark
Like the wind that's lightly starting
It isn't about the weather, Oh my lover...
It's the story of a past that was violent
But now, I don't remember the shape of your face
But I do remember how familiar it was,
It still is familiar
You're still funny
And autumn still means to you, just like me
Tell me if you still have nostalgia
I don't know why I'm talking,
nor how!
Maybe... No, no
They're away now!
And my talks are children's talks
But all this is not stopping me from missing you,
As long as there's an autumn, every year.
English: (contextual)
I remember you
Each time (the sky) gets cloudy
Your face reminds of autumn
You come back to me at nightfall
And blow like a gentle wind
It is not a matter of weather, darling
It is a matter of a violent past love story
But now, I don't remember how your face looks like
But I do remember how familiar it was,
It still is familiar
You're still funny
And autumn still means to you, just like me
Tell me if you still have nostalgia
I don't know why I'm talking,
Nor how!
Maybe: "No, no
They (the days) 're away now!
And I'm talking like children"
But all this is not stopping me from missing you,
As long as there's an autumn, every year.
Explanation:
The first bit of information that you need to know about this song, in order to put it in context, is that it is a remake of the popular 1945 song "Les feuilles mortes" (French for: The dead leaves) by Yves Montand. You might be more familiar with the English version of the song, entitled: "Autumn leaves ", which was produced a few years later. However, and as you will see from the explanation, the Arabic version of the song is not a mere translation. Ziad El Rahbani was inspired by the music and the lyrics, but the song is quite different from the original.
So the story is about a woman reminiscing about her past love, and somehow thinking out loud. The memories recur in autumn time, especially when it starts to get dark. She's wondering if her lover feels the same way she does, although a part of her keeps saying that she got carried away with her thoughts and hopes.
Song: "Bizakkir bel kharif"
Lyrics: Ziad el Rahbani
Music: Joseph Kosma
Video reference: بيذكر بالخريف
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"O Mary - يا مريم"
Arabic
يا مريم البكر فقتي الشمس والقمر
وكلّ نجمٍ بأفلاك السماء سرى
يا أم يسوع، يا أمي و يا أملى)
( لا تهمليني متى منى الخطا صدر
يا نجمة الصبح شعّي في معابدنا
ونوّري عقلنا والسمع والبصر
English: (Literal)
O Mary, the virgin, you have outshone the sun and the moon,
And every star that has run through the orbits of the sky
(O mother of Jesus, O my mother, and my hope
Do not neglect me when wrong has come out of me)
O morning star, shine in our temples,
And enlighten our mind, hearing and sight.
English (Liberal)
O virgin Mary, you have outshone the sun and the moon
And every star in the sky
(O mother of Jesus, O my mother and my hope
Do not forsake me if I sinned)
O morning star, shine in our temples,
And enlighten the mind, hearing and sight.
Notes:
-The hymn was featured in Fayrouz' special Christmas Hymns album, then a shorter version was redone in the album Wala Kif in 2001.
- I have placed the translation of the additional verses in the original hymn between brackets. Other modifications in the lyrics and /or reading of the original hymn can be found here
Song: "Ya Maryamou"
Album: "Taratil lmilad" (Christmas Hymns)/ Nab'a lyanabi'/ Wala Kif
Video #1 reference:يا مريم البكر
Video #2 is uploaded by me
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"Morning and Evening- صباح ومسا"
Arabic
صباح ومسا
شي ما بينتسى
تركت الحب أخذت الأسى
شو بدي دور...لشو عم دورعلى غيرو؟
شو بدي دور...لشو عم دورعلى غيرو؟
في ناس كتير... لكن بيصير ما فيه غيرو
حبيبي كان، هني وسهيان، ما في غيرو
حبيبي كان، هني وسهيان، ما في غيرو
حملني سنين، منّن هينين...كتّر خيرو
حبيبي منيح، لشو التجريح؟ تعب منّي
أنا اللي كنت.. ما بفهم، بنت، حمل عنّي
صباح ومسا .. شي ما بينتسى
تركت الحب، أخدت الأسى
لعلّ وعسى، اترك هالأسى
ويرجعلي حبّي، صباح ومسا
بسّ انتَ، انت وبسّ
English: (Literal)
Morning and evening
Something unforgettable
I left love, and took the misery
What's the use of looking around ?
Why am I searching for someone other than him?
There are many people,
But in the end, there is nobody but him
My lover was, merry and absent minded...there's nobody but him
He bore me for years, that weren't easy, and I'm grateful
Alright my lover, why hurting me? he grew tired of me
I, who used to be naive; a girl; he took the charge off me
Morning and evening,
Morning and evening,
It was something unforgettable
I left love, and took the misery
Hopefully,
I will leave this misery
And my love will return to me, morning and evening
Only you, you and only you...
English: (Liberal)
English: (Liberal)
Morning and evening,
It was something unforgettable
I left love, and took the misery
What's the use of looking around?
Why am I searching for someone other than him?
There are many people,
But somehow it turns out that there is nobody but him (for me)
My lover was, merry and absent minded...he's my only one
He bore me for years, that weren't easy, and I'm grateful
Enough alright baby! Why the insults?
He grew tired of me,
I, who used to be naive; a girl; he took the burden off my shoulders
Morning and evening,
It was something unforgettable
I left love, and took the misery
Hopefully,
I will leave this misery behind,
As my love will return to me, morning and evening
Only you, you and only you...
Explanation:
Obviously this is the story of the singer's first love. She tells how her lover taught her how to love and helped her through the hard times. The guy, however, grew tired after all this time and left her. She wishes he comes back because he's her only one.
Song: "Morning and evening"
Lyrics and Music: Ziad el Rahbani
English: (Literal)
Explanation:
Obviously this is the story of the singer's first love. She tells how her lover taught her how to love and helped her through the hard times. The guy, however, grew tired after all this time and left her. She wishes he comes back because he's her only one.
Song: "Morning and evening"
Lyrics and Music: Ziad el Rahbani
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"I am scared-أنا فزعانة"
Arabic:
أنا فزعانة تقوم عنجد تنساني
ويمكن حبّك جدّ،بس أنا تعبانة
عطيني خمس دقايق بس
اتسمّع عالموسيقى، استمّع عالموسيقى
لاحق تروح، لاحق تروح
لاحق تروح، لاحق تروح
أنا فزعانة تقوم عنجد تنساني
أنا فزعانة تقوم عنجد تنساني
ويمكن حبّك جدّ، بس أنا تعبانة
لاحق تروح، لاحق تروح
لاحق تروح، لاحق تروح
أنا فزعانة تقوم عنجد تنساني
English: (Literal)
I am scared that you would actually forget me
And your love might be serious, but I am tired
Just give me five minutes, listen to the music...the music
You still have time to leave
I am scared that you would actually forget me
I am scared that you would actually forget me
And your love might be true, but I am tired
You still have plenty of time to leave now
I am scared that you would actually forget me
English: (Liberal)
I am afraid you might actually forget me
Your love might be true, but I am sick and tired
Just give me five minutes, listen to the music...the music
Don't leave me now
I am afraid you might actually forget me
I am afraid you might actually forget me
Your love might be true, but I am tired
Don't leave now
I am afraid you might actually forget me
Apparently the lover is about to leave(travel or move away), the woman is afraid that he would forget her and is trying to convince him to stay by inviting him to indulge his senses in the music.
Song:"I am afraid"
Lyrics and music by: Ziad el Rahbani
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