He was born in Aleppo, Syria, and after living for a time in Beirut moved to Paris at the age of 22 where he studied Western classical music. While there he translated classical poetry, such as the Sumerian Epic of Gilgamesh, into French. He has stated that he prefers to live in the West, saying in a 2000 interview that he has an "inability to work in the Arab countries, in which the way people live is still conditioned by halal and haram. Here I can produce contemporary art, I can work in freedom, and there is 'motion' around what I produce: journalism, concerts, programme…Nobody tells me to write a song for a specific political occasion."
His music has been featured in the films Al Leja, directed by Ryad Chaia, and Elia Suleiman's Chronicle of a Disappearance, also he participated in Deep Forest's album Comparsa.
Singer-songwriter Jeff Buckley was a fan of Azrie's music, and the two once had dinner.
-Discography
* 1971: Le chant nouveau des poètes Arabes
* 1974: Wajd
* 1977: L'épopée de Gilgamesh
* 1979: Les Soufis
* 1985: Chants de l'arbre oriental
* 1989: Pour enfants seulement
* 1990: Aromates
* 1994: Suerte
* 1995: Lapis Lazuli
* 1998: Suerte Live
* 1999: Pour enfants seulement
* 1999: Omar Khayyam
* 2001: Venessia
* 2007: Chants d'amour et d'ivresse
* 2008: Mystique
* 2009: L'évangile selon Jean
Le chasseur
Abed Azrié Lyrics
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In Abed Azrié's song "Le chasseur," the lyrics narrate a story of a hunter who is frustrated by Enkidu, a wild and untamed man who interferes with his hunting efforts. The hunter is dismayed that Enkidu undoes the traps and pits he has set, allowing the game to escape. Feeling defeated, the hunter decides to seek help from his father and together they approach Gilgamesh for advice. Gilgamesh, a wise and respected figure, suggests that the hunter bring a harlot to seduce and civilize Enkidu.
The hunter heeds Gilgamesh's advice and brings the harlot to Enkidu. They travel together for three days until they reach a drinking hole, where they settle for another three days. As the herd of wild game and beasts approach the water hole to drink, Enkidu, who is described as being born in the wilderness, joins them. The harlot is then instructed to seduce Enkidu, to unveil her breast, open her thighs, and offer herself to him in order to tame and initiate him to the ways of women.
This narrative is rich in symbolism and allegory, reflecting themes of civilization versus wilderness, temptation, and the power dynamics between man and nature. Enkidu is portrayed as a primal and uncontrollable force, embodying the wild and untamed aspects of human nature. The harlot, on the other hand, represents civilization and societal norms, using her seductive charms to tame and domesticate Enkidu.
The lyrics also touch upon the idea of initiation and transformation, as Enkidu is introduced to the pleasures and complexities of human relationships through his encounter with the harlot. The act of seduction and initiation symbolizes a rite of passage for Enkidu, marking his transition from a solitary and wild existence to a more socially integrated and controlled way of life. Overall, the lyrics of "Le chasseur" explore deep and profound themes through a poetic and evocative storytelling style, inviting listeners to contemplate the nuances of human nature and the eternal struggle between instinct and civilization.
Line by Line Meaning
The hunter complains that Enkidu fills up the pits he dug up, tears up the traps he set for the game and helps the wild game to escape.
The hunter expresses his frustration that Enkidu, a wild man, disrupts his hunting efforts by obstructing the traps and aiding the animals in their flight, thereby challenging the hunter’s skill and success.
The hunter comes to his father, then the both of them go to Gilgamesh.
Seeking guidance and support, the hunter consults his father, and together they approach Gilgamesh, a powerful figure known for his wisdom and authority.
Gilgamesh and his father advises him to bring a harlot to tame Enkidu.
Gilgamesh and his father suggest that the hunter employ the services of a temple prostitute to civilize Enkidu, using feminine allure as a means to domesticate the wild man.
The hunter returns, taking the harlot with him.
Following their advice, the hunter makes his way back, accompanied by the harlot, ready to initiate the plan to transform Enkidu’s wild nature.
After three days’ journey, they reach the drinking-hole and stay there sitting for three days.
Upon completing a long journey that takes three days, they arrive at a water source where they choose to linger and wait, anticipating the arrival of Enkidu.
The herd come down to the water-hole and starts drinking, then arrives the wild beasts, glad of the water.
As expected, various animals gather at the watering place to quench their thirst, demonstrating the natural cycle of life that Enkidu is a part of.
And Enkidu who was born in the wilderness is with them.
Among the wild creatures is Enkidu himself, a being shaped by the untamed world, symbolizing his deep connection to nature and freedom.
There, he is, woman! Unveil your breast, open your thighs, let him have pleasure in you.
In an urgent and direct call, the harlot is instructed to reveal herself and offer intimacy, as a way to entice Enkidu and introduce him to the pleasures of human connection.
Teach this savage man, give him initiation to the woman.
The focus is on the transformative goal of educating Enkidu about love and sexuality, guiding him from his primal state toward a more civilized humanity through this critical experience.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Abed Azrié
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind