Kemal | Savina Yannatou

Original : New York Rock & Roll Ensemble (1970 - Reflections)

Kemal

"listen" now to the story of Kemal
a young prince of the east
descendant of Sinbad the mariner
who believed he would "change" the world
but, bitter are the "intents" (plans, designs) of Allah
and "dark" the souls of humankind

In the Far East least of places
Once upon a time too long ago
A flask lay down empty
Water moldy all along
In town Mosul in town Basra
Ατ the old date palm tree
Weary now cry the children
of the desert ancestry
Only a youth of chosen legacy
only a scion of royal blood
Shrieks the mourning song of woe
and heads towards the old tree

Bedouin folk stare and wonder
With eyes full of misery
Oath to Allah he now binds them
Yearning years are about thy
Lords high mighty caught a glimpse
of the youth's nigh bravery
Off they go the wrathful wretches
Wolves of envy Lions of sin
Two the rivers trailing heaven
Euphrates and Tigris both
Wide and wild goes the hunting
for the renegade son

On him falls the scourge like rabid
lithe unruly hounds of gore
Tied chained he meets the Hangman
Caliph's vengeful horrid hand
Black the promise milk and honey
of the rushing morning scene
All for giving up his promise
Gasping one last final glee
Figures holding fast the shutters
Pair of camels red scarf wind
Prophet solemnly stands porter
Paradise now welcomes thy

Side by side high and low
clouds gather as they strove
If not only for Damascus's
Soaring glory star of hope
A month and a year later
face they gaze to Allah
Who all knowing and all forceful
Speaks his truth to rash Sevah
My downtrodden dandy
come what may men don't change
Whole cold steel and blazing fire
Realms of men are born to be

Sweet night to thee Kemal
This is how life shall ever be.