traditional Cypriot song

the water gourd

curated by Avra Skoutella Pieridou and Michalis Hadjimichael

Published 2008

One in a series of eight books curated by Avra Skoutella Pieridou and Michalis Hadjimichael.

The melodies and lyrics of most of the songs derive from the folkloric research of the Cypriot folk musician Michalis Hadjimichael in the area of Kokkinochória in the east coast of the island. Dr Avra Pieridou Skoutella took the responsibility of designing the publication, devising the teaching methodologies, forming the children’s choir and teaching the songs and undertaking the creation and completed production of the publication. Read more>>>

There is the water gourd

with the wide leaves

It has flowered and grown stems

and is hanging with water gourds.

Water gourd of the imam

how much for a gourd?

Water gourd of the imam

how much for a gourd.

There is the water gourd

relieved in the shade

And I ask priest and imam

how much are the gourds.

Water gourd of the imam

how much for a gourd?

I cut one for the shepherd

and he fills it with water

to drink and cool down

from the running around the charcoal pit.

Water gourd of the imam

how much for a gourd?

I cut another for the drunk

and he fills it with wine

to drink at the festival

and do the hopping dance.

Water gourd of the imam

how much for a gourd?

the grandfather reaches out

and cuts two more for the fox

to tie to her tail

and make her cubs laugh.

Water gourd of the imam

how much for a gourd?