Sabah Fakhri (Arabic: صباح فخري) (born 1933): is an iconic arabic tradition… Read Full Bio ↴Sabah Fakhri (Arabic: صباح فخري) (born 1933): is an iconic arabic traditional vocal singer from Aleppo in northern Syria.

He modified and popularized the then-fading form of traditional Arabic music, Muwashahat and Koodood. He is well known for his exceptionally powerful voice, impeccable execution of Maqamat and harmony, as well as charismatic performances. To many music admirers around the world, he represents the epitome and essence of authentic Tarab.

He enrolled into the Academy of Arabic Music of Aleppo then to the Academy of Damascus, from which he graduated in 1948. Then in Cairo, Egypt, he studied under the music masters of that time, and since then he started performing concerts in Syria. He soon became famous all over the Arab World. He also performed many concerts in Europe and the Americas. His name is enshrined in the Guinness Book of Records for his prowess in Caracas, where he sang for 10 hours without a pause.

He was a member of the Syrian parliament for a period of time as a representative of artists.

Fakhri was awarded the Syrian Order of Merit of Excellent Degree by the Syrian president Bashar al-Assad in recognition of his achievements in serving and his role in reviving the artistic heritage in Syria.

Baidha'a
Sabah Fakhri Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

بيضاء لا كدر يشوب صفاؤها
كالياسمين نقاوة و عبيرا
قال و تعالى
أضمنى من شعرها ليل .
ليل ليل ليل
ليل ليل ليل
ليلي ليل ليل
ليلل رأيت فيه البدر منيرا

و شممت فيها نفحة الزهر الذى . نزل من روض البهيج نظيرا
و سكرت .إييه و سكرت
و سكرت . إييه و سكرت
و سكرت . و سكرت من خمر
و جميل ثغر قد تعلق نورا

و سكرت . إييه و سكرت
و شعرت لما مس صدرى صدرها . إنى أذوب صبابة و شعورا

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Sabah Fakhri's song Baidha'a are a description of a woman who is as white as jasmine flower, and whose purity is untainted by darkness. The lyrics reference a Quranic verse in which God reassures a believer to be protected from harm by "her hair at night". The song then goes on to describe a night where the full moon is shining and the scent of flowers in the garden is in the air. The singer becomes intoxicated by the beauty of the woman and her enchanting presence that he feels as though he's melting.

The lyrics capture the essence of beauty and purity in the Arab culture, where white is often associated with purity and untouched beauty. The song also encapsulates the theme of love and admiration, and the intensity of emotions one can feel towards another individual. The use of poetic language and metaphorical expressions adds to the charm of the song, making it a beloved classic in the Arabic music world.

Line by Line Meaning

بيضاء لا كدر يشوب صفاؤها
Pure with no cloudiness to mar its clarity

كالياسمين نقاوة و عبيرا
Like the jasmine flower, both pure and fragrant

قال و تعالى
Allah said

أضمنى من شعرها ليل
I promise you the safety and security of her hair throughout the night

ليل ليل ليل
Night, night, night

ليلي ليل ليل
My night, night, night

ليلل رأيت فيه البدر منيرا
In that night, I saw the shining full moon

و شممت فيها نفحة الزهر الذى . نزل من روض البهيج نظيرا
And I smelled the fragrance of the flowers that descended from the beautiful garden

و سكرت .إييه و سكرت
I was intoxicated... and I was intoxicated

و سكرت . إييه و سكرت
And I was intoxicated... and I was intoxicated

و سكرت . و سكرت من خمر
And I was intoxicated... intoxicated from wine