At Dawn

Δεν είν’ αυγή να σηκωθώ

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Songs οf Asia Minor

Lyrics

At dawn, not once did I get up without sighing:
Arise, my sun, come, talk to me.
Without bending again on the pillow and crying:
Arise, that I may see you and be comforted.
At Alatsata, there is a mountain called the Karadai.
Come, my mate, hold my hand.
The women of Alatsata go there and pour their grief.
Star of dawn, why are you late in rising?

Translated by Mania Seferiades

Original Lyrics

Δεν είν' αυγή να σηκωθώ

Δεν είν’ αυγή να σηκωθώ να μην αναστενάξω
έβγα ,ήλιε μου, κι έλα, μίλιε μου.
Να γείρω στο προσκέφαλο κι από καρδιάς να κλάψω
έβγα να σε δω, να παρηγορηθώ.

Στ’ Αλάτσατα ’ναι ένα βουνό – Καρανταή το λένε,
έλα, ταίρι μου, και πιάσ’ το χέρι μου.
Που παν οι Αλατσατιανές και τον καημό τους λένε.
Άστρο της αυγής, γιατί άργησες να βγεις;

Region: Asia Minor
Rhythm: 4 beats
Duration: 03:48

Recording information

Studio recording (1991). Based on Simon Karas’ recording which belongs to the Association for the Dissemination of Greek National Music. The Smyrna-born composer Yannis Konstandinidis (also known as Kostas Yannidis) taught the song to Simon Karas.

In Domna Samiou’s music archive, there is a 1976 recording of the song in which she sings a cappella.

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At dawn

Domna Samiou. 1976

© Domna Samiou Archive


Watch a different version of the song by Domna Samiou
TV Program Musical Travelogue with Domna Samiou – Asia Minor (ERT 1977)

Credits

Socrates Sinopoulos
Socrates Sinopoulos

Constantinopolitan lyra

Andreas Pappas
Andreas Pappas

Goblet drum

See also