Μαύρο καπνό είδα κι έβγαινε

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I saw some black smoke rise up out of the reeds;
The reeds are numberless and a monster hides in them.
Three huntsmen have decided to go and kill it.
On the way they talk about it:
When we have killed the monster in the reeds,
We will go to the king so that he can reward us
For having saved him.

Translated by Derek Yeld

Μαύρο καπνό είδα κι έβγαινε

Mαύρο καπνό είδα κι έβγαινε από 'να καλαμιώνα
κι ο καλαμιώνας έν’ πολύς κι ένα θεριό ’χει μέσα.
Tρεις κυνηγοί παρθήκανε να πα’ να το σκοτώσουν.
Στη στράτα όπου πηαίνανε επερριροζονάραν.
Σαν το σκοτώσουμ’ το θεριό που ’ναι στον καλαμιώνα
να πάμε εις το βασιλιά μιστό να μας εδώσει
γιατί τον εγλυτώσαμε.

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Notes

This very beautiful Acritic song is performed in the manner of the Cretan mountain-dwellers: in a loud, metallic voice, each verse preceded by a calling cry which is no doubt intended to create the effect of an echo. This is a technique often used by mountain singers. Aris Fakinos (1982)

Recording information

Studio recording, 1982.

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