Like the Marble of the City (Constantinople)

Σαν τα μάρμαρα της Πόλης

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Lyrics

Like the marble slabs that stand in St. Sophia
so well-matched and symmetrical are your eyebrows, eyes and hair.

I have decided to become a dome in St. Sophia
for fair girls and for dark ones to come and worship there.

Translated by Mania Seferiades

Original Lyrics

Σαν τα μάρμαρα της Πόλης

Σαν τα μάρμαρα της Πόλης που ’ναι στην Αγια-Σοφιά
έτσι τα ’χεις ταιριασμένα μάτια, φρύδια και μαλλιά.

Αποφάσισα να γίνω στην Αγια-Σοφιά κουπές*
να ’ρχονται να προσκυνάνε άσπρες και μελαχρινές.

*κουπές: τρούλος

Region: Asia Minor
Type: Couplets
Category: Love Song
Rhythm: 9 beats
Dance: Antikristos
Duration: 04:40

Recording information

Studio recording, 1991.

Based on Simon Karas' recording which belongs to the Association for the Dissemination of Greek National Music.

Credits

Kostas Diavatis

Singers

Petros Athanasopoulos-Kalyvas

Clarinet

Nikos Oikonomidis

Violin

Agnes Agopian

Kanun

Joanna Andrews

Oud

Kostas Philippidis

Lute

Andreas Pappas

Goblet drum

Discography

Songs of Asia Minor 2
Songs οf Asia Minor

See also

  • SongConstantinopleLove SongCouplets

In the workshops of Constantinople

  • Μέσ’ της Πόλης τ’ αργαστήρια ⬥ In the workshops of Constantinople, In the gold and silver smiths’, I first laid eyes on your likeness, And my heart was yours forthwith. You stand there in the church Like a column made of marble And at the sight of you The priests [...]
  • AlbumDigital release2022Domna Samiou Greek Folk Music Association

My Old Torments

Songs of Asia Minor by Domna Samiou. Live recording from the concert ‘Songs of Asia Minor with Domna Samiou’ at the Megaron, the Athens Concert Hall, on 8/3/2005. Traditional songs from the western coasts of Asia Minor, Propontis, Constantinople, Pontus and Cappadocia.
  • SongCappadocia / KonyaKonya, SilleInstrumental

Karsilamas Dance – Tsift

  • Αντικρυστός χορός – Τσιφτ ⬥ The tune is known also as 'tsift'. The kanun master Nikos Stefanidis taught this tune to Domna Samiou and her musicians. Recorded in 1991.
  • SongAsia MinorErythraea, MeliLove SongCouplets

The Water of Life

(Olmaz)

  • Από τα γλυκά σου μάτια ⬥ The water of Life flows from your sweet eyes. I asked you for a little but you didn’t give me any to drink. Impossible, my duck, impossible, you are doing your best to kill me. I told you not to tempt me and leave [...]
  • SongAsia MinorErythraea, AlatsataLove SongCouplets

Yatzilariani

  • Γιατζιλαριανή ⬥ I brought you a Good Evening, give me a Good Night I had no business here, I came only for you. Come out that I may see you and be comforted. Your eyes have burnt me, yet they are my joy and pride, if I don’t see them [...]