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?