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Δεν είν’ αυγή να σηκωθώ
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
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;
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.
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)
Singers
Constantinopolitan lyra
Kanun
Goblet drum
