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At dawn not once did I get up without sighing
arise, my sun, come, talk to me
without bending again on the pillow and crying
arise that I may see you and be comforted.

At Alatsata there is a mountain called the Karadai
come, my mate, hold my hand
the women of Alatsata go there and pour their grief
star of dawn, why are you late in rising?

Translated by Mania Seferiades

Δεν είν’ αυγή να σηκωθώ

Δεν είν’ αυγή να σηκωθώ να μην αναστενάξω,
έβγα ήλιε μου κι έλα μίλιε μου
να γείρω στο προσκέφαλο κι από καρδιάς να κλάψω,
έβγα να σε δω να παρηγορηθώ.

Στ’ Αλάτσατα ’ναι ένα βουνό, Καρανταή το λένε,
έλα ταίρι μου και πιάσ’ το χέρι μου
που παν οι Αλατσατιανές και τον καημό τους λένε,
άστρο της αυγής γιατί άργησες να βγεις.

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Recording information

Studio recording, 1991.

Based on Simon Karas' recording which belongs to the Association for the Dissemination of Greek National Music. The Smyrnian composer, Yannis Konstandinidis (Kostas Yannidis) taught the song to Simon Karas.

In Domna Samiou's music archive there is a version of the song taped in 1976, where Domna Samiou sings a capella.

At dawn
Domna Samiou. 1976 © Domna Samiou Archive

Watch a different version of the song by Domna Samiou, TV Program Musical Travelogue with Domna Samiou - Asia Minor (ERT 1977)

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