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

Shamandora
(Dock Boy)

 

This page contains a translation into English of the lyrics to the hit Nubian pop song "Shamandora", which was sung by Mohammed Mounir. Also included is a transliteration of the Arabic and Nubian 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.

 

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Lyrics

Before the Aswan High Dam was built, the Nubian people of southern Egypt mostly spoke their own language, which is quite different from Arabic. Although the resettlement of the Nubian people after the dam was built has led to their using Arabic more, some people work to preserve their language. This song, "Shamandora", is partly in the Arabic language and partly in Nubian.

The Nubian word "shamandora" refers to a boy who used to guide the ships on the Nile to land, particularly during the times of the annual Nile floods. The vocalist in this song is essentially telling his beloved that she is like this boy, guiding him in life and making him feel safe.

Arabic Lyrics

English Translation
[Nubian] Eyou shamandora min ghina bari gaskeryo min ghena... Oh shamandora, standing right there in the water...
[Nubian] Segry mala wayna mortan nagla wayna And the sail of the boat is billowing, and it billows more as it approaches you
[Nubian] Eyou shamandora min ghina bari gaskeryo min ghena... Oh shamandora, standing right there in the water...
[Nubian] Segry mala wayna mortan nagla wayna And the sail of the boat is billowing, and it billows more as it approaches you
   
[Arabic] 3a ashatti estani rayha fain, You are on the beach. Wait, where are you going?
[Arabic] Dana leiki baghanni ghinwitea For you, I'm singing two songs.
[Arabic] 3a ashatti estani rayha fain, You are on the beach. Wait, where are you going?
[Arabic] Dana leiki baghanni ghinwitea For you, I'm singing two songs.
   
[Arabic] Ghinwa 3an elaha wil haneen One song for the nostalgia,
[Arabic] iw ghinwa la i3naiki ya haneen And another song for you, darling.
[Arabic] Ah ya shamandoura labsa thobe. Oh, you shamandora, wearing a dress
[Arabic] Ya agmal min sora ya doab ya doab You are more beautiful than a picture
[Arabic] Ya asmar ya samara dobti doab Oh you dark-skinned beauty, I dwell in your heart [Note: Nubians are dark-skinned people]
[Arabic] Ya i3youn addara 3al oulob Oh, your eyes are drop-dead gorgeous
   
[Arabic] Ah ya shamndoura sabri taal Oh, you shamandora, I've been patient for so long
[Arabic] Roddi iw ghawbeni 3a ilsoual Reply and answer the question
[Arabic] Ah ya shamndoura sabri taal Oh, you shamandora, I've been patient for so long
[Arabic] Roddi iw ghawbeni 3a ilsoual Reply and answer the question
   
[Arabic] Ootlobi witmani laou mohal. Wish and ask for anything, even if it is impossible
[Arabic] Melein walneni ya ghazal. From my eyes and pupil, you gazelle. [The expression "from my eyes" is used to tell someone you are willing to do the things s/he requested.]
   
[Nubian] Aah Ya shamandoura min ghina. Oh, you shamandora, standing right there
Ah ya Shamondora ah iw ah. Oh, you shamandora, ah and ah.
   
[Arabic] Ah ya shamandoura labsa thobe. Oh, you shamandora, wearing a dress
[Arabic] Ya agmal min sora ya doab ya doab You are more beautiful than a picture
[Arabic] Ya asmar ya samara dobti doab Oh you dark-skinned beauty, I dwell in your heart [Note: Nubians are dark-skinned people]
[Arabic] Ya i3youn addara 3al oulob Oh, your eyes are drop-dead gorgeous
   
[Arabic] Ah ya shamandoura labsa thobe. Oh, you shamandora, wearing a dress
[Arabic] Ya agmal min sora ya doab ya doab You are more beautiful than a picture
[Arabic] Ya asmar ya samara dobti doab Oh you dark-skinned beauty, I dwell in your heart [Note: Nubians are dark-skinned people]
[Arabic] Ya i3youn addara 3al oulob Oh, your eyes are drop-dead gorgeous
   
[Nubian] Aah Ya shamandoura min ghina. Oh, you shamandora, standing right there

 

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About the Translators

The transliteration of the lyrics into the Roman alphabet was done by Tahseen Alkoudsi, who contributed over 100 song translations to this web site over the course of a 9-year period. Tahseen
The translation of the Arabic lyrics into English was done by Mostafa, an Egyptian who is known online as "savary" on some forums. Mostafa

 

 

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