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Bihlibidia
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This page contains a translation into English of the lyrics to the Greek song "Bihlibidia" ("Μπιχλιμπίδι"), which was originally sung by Panos Gavalas (Πάνος Γαβαλάς). The song was widely used by many U.S. belly dancers in the 1980's and 1990's because it appeared on a popular record album called An Evening at the Cafe Feenjon by Feenjon Group under the incorrectly-spelled song title of "Biklibidia". Song lyrics are provided for educational purposes. If you like the song, please purchase either the album or a download from an authorized source. About Panos GavalasAlthough Panos Gavalas enjoyed singing and playing several musical instruments at a young age, he began his professional career as a singer, songwriter, and bouzouki player in the mid-1950's. His biggest hit, "Seagulls", came in 1959. Between 1954 and 1986, he recorded over 1,200 songs, including this one and appeared in 25 movies. Has Also Been Recorded by Eleni Barteri, in 1966, on her album At the Athens Hilton. |
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Listen to MP3 Clips of This Song
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Sung by Feenjon Group |
Lyrics
You left open your windows
and immediately there appeared your adornments [bihlibidia]
Adornments and embellishments, you have plenty, my doll,
but you have no integrity at all
neither integrity nor heart
And I, that I rejoice* and I fancy
your adornments and your embellishments
your adornments and your embellishments
Adornments and embellishments, you have plenty, my doll,
but you have no integrity at all
neither integrity nor heart
[Instrumental solo section]
Adornments and embellishments, you have plenty, my doll,
but you have no integrity at all
neither integrity nor heart
* Note from the translator: In the original version of the song by Panos Gavalas, the lyrics used the word "kaigomai" which means "I burn". However, this translation is based on the version of the song performed by The Feenjon Group, and their version said "rejoice". Feenjon's version also made changes in the second verse of the song, but the meaning is the more or less the same, while rejoice is not the same thing as burn.
Where to Get Recordings of this Song
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Artist: Feenjon Group |
About the Translator
This translation was created by Walladah. Walladah is a dancer, dance instructor, musician, singer and researcher, based in Chania, Greece. She was originally taught traditional performance arts within her family and community, also taking advantage of her mother’s family origin in Turkey (region of Eastern Thrace/Doğu Trakya). Afterward, she received formal training in music and singing, both in Western and in Eastern musical traditions. In dance, especially, Walladah did not stick to the local dance forms usually named with the umbrella-term “tsifteteli”, which are traditional in Greece and vary from region to region. During the last ten years she has systematically sought training by international master teachers of Middle Eastern dance, in order to acquire a thorough knowledge of main dance styles of the Mediterranean basin (Egyptian, Lebanese, Turkish), without excluding American Tribal and Tribal fusion styles. As a teacher, Walladah considers it essential to continuously conduct research on all kinesiological, social and historical aspects of the dance. She also maintains a dance-collection blog, i.e. a collection of dance videos she considers important to watch for anyone interested in Mediterranean or Middle Eastern dance. Her blog resides at http://walladah.wordpress.com/ . ABOUT THE PHOTO: This sketch of Walladah was created by one of her friends, based on a photo of her. Photo is by Dora Ariadne, editing of it by Nonymni. |
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