PHOTO CREDIT: Above photo by John Rickman Photography, San Jose, California.

This page contains a translation into English of the lyrics to "Me Alli We Oltelu", which is also sometimes spelled "Ma Kalli W-Kiltillouh", "Ma Alli Wu Oltilou", or "Ma Alli Oltellu". The song title is sometimes identified as "Ya Awazel Falfilu". This song was made popular by the movie star, vocalist, oud player, and composer, Farid Al-Atrache.

Also included on this page is a transliteration of the Arabic lyrics into the Roman alphabet so you can sing along if you like.

Song lyrics are provided for educational purposes. If you like the song, please purchase either the album or a download from an authorized source.

Farid al-Atrache was a multi-talented entertainer of the 20th century. He was a virtuoso at playing the oud, a movie star, a singer, and a composer of music.

Al-Atrache was born in 1915 to parents Prince Fahad Al Atrache and Princess Alia of the Druze people. When he was 8 years old in 1923, his mother brought the family to Egypt to escape the violence of Lebanon, where people were fighting to end the French colonial occupation.

In Egypt, young Atrache became a naturalized Egyptian citizen. As a promising young musician, he was accepted into the conservatory. He became apprenticed to legendary composer Riad al-Sombati, who was known for creating several of Oum Kalthoum's hit songs. As he matured, he became a popular performer as a singer and oud player in Cairo's thriving nightclub scene, working first for Mary Mansour, and later for Badia Masabni. He was discovered by Medhat ‘Aassem who heard him sing in Badia Masabni's club, and recruited him to begin his radio career. Farid went on to enjoy a thriving career in Egyptian cinema, appearing as a leading man in over 30 movies, and composing music for more than 40.

ABOUT THE PHOTO: The photographer who took this photo was Van Leo (Levon Boyadjian), an Armenian-Egyptian known as the photographer to the stars because of his beautiful photos of the celebrities of his day.

Music: Farid al-Atrache

Sung by Farid al-Atrache

Arabic Lyrics

English Translation

Listen to Clip

Artist: Farid al-Atrache
Album Title: Farid al-Atrache Volume 16

Artist: Ihsan al-Mounzer
CD Title: Jalilah's Raks Sharki 5: Stars of Casino Opera

Artist: Hossam Ramzy
CD Title: Hossam Ramzy: The Best of Farid al Atrash

Listen to Clip

Artist: Amira Mor
CD Title: Belly Dancing with Amira Mor

This CD lists this song's title as "Ya Awazel Falfilu".

• Al Rabea (also known as "Sketch al Rabie" and "Adi El Rabi3 3ad Min Tani"
• Gamil, Gamal
• Habena
• Hizzy Ya Nawaem

• Me Alli We-Oltelu (also known as "Ya Awazel Falfilu")
• Noura Noura
• Ya Ritni Tir

To me, Tahseen was so much more than a contributor to my web site. Even though we lived far apart, I saw Tahseen and Kathe several times over the years. I always appreciated their warmth and generosity. I first "met" Tahseen online back in 1997 on the med-dance list on the Internet, where he periodically posted messages. I knew he was in Lawrence, Kansas, so when a business trip arose requiring me to travel to the Kansas City area, I emailed him to say I'd be in the neighborhood. He and Kathe came to Kansas City for an evening get-together at Tasso's restaurant, and they invited several local dancers to join us. I saw them on follow-up visits to Kansas City. They vended at Rakkasah for several years, and it was always a pleasure to greet them there in the anteroom off to the left of the main stage. I also enjoyed encountering them in Egypt at the Ahlan wa Sahlan festival.

Tahseen will be missed by many.