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.

Ya ghazali
Sabah Fakhri Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

يا غصـن نقا مكللا بالذهب *** أفديك من الردى بأمي وأبي
يا غصـن نقا مكللا بالذهب *** أفديك من الردى بأمي وأبي

إن كنتُ أسأت في هواكم أدبي *** العصمة لا تكـون إلا لنبي
يا مالك مهجتـي تـرفّـق باللهْ *** لا بدّ لكل عاشـق مـن زلةْ
يا مالك مهجتـي تـرفّـق باللهْ *** لا بدّ لكل عاشـق مـن زلةْ
روحي تلفت ومهجتي في علة *** لا حـول ولا قـوة إلا باللهْ
يا غصـن نقا مكللا بالذهب *** أفديك من الردى بأمي وأبي

يا غصـن نقا مكللا بالذهب *** أفديك من الردى بأمي وأبي
إن كنتُ أسأت في هواكم أدبي *** العصمة لا تكـون إلا لنبي

الغصن إذا رآك مقبل سجدا *** والعين إذا رأتك تخشى الرمدا
يا من بوصاله يداوي الكبدا *** مـا تفعله اليـوم تلقـاه غدا
لو صادف نوح دمع عيني غرقا *** أو شاهد لوعتي الخليل احترقا
أو حمـلت الجبـال ما أحمله *** صارت دكّاً

وخرّ موسى صعقا
يا من سألك عن الهوى كن عادل *** احذر تبلى وخل عقلك عاقل
واسـمع مثلا من منتبه لا غافل *** الحب أذى والعشق سم قاتل
يا غصـن نقا مكللا بالذهب *** أفديك من الردى بأمي وأبي
إن كنتُ أسأت في هواكم أدبي *** العصمة لا تكـون إلا لنبي

تالله لقد سمعت في الأسحار *** عـن جارية تـدق بالأوتار
تالله لقد سمعت من منطقها *** من عذّب عاشقا جُزي بالنار

يا غصـن نقا مكللا بالذهب *** أفديك من الردى بأمي وأبي
إن كنتُ أسأت في هواكم أدبي *** العصمة لا تكـون إلا لنبي

Overall Meaning

The song "Ya Ghazali" by Sabah Fakhri is a soul-wrenching piece that talks about the pain and sacrifice that comes with love. The lyrics start with a description of a golden branch that the singer would give up everything for if it meant saving his parents from harm. It has a deep sense of loyalty and devotion that runs through it. The second verse is addressed to the object of the singer's love, asking for forgiveness if he has stepped out of line in his love for them. He acknowledges that love can be a slippery slope and that even the most devoted lover can make mistakes.

The third verse speaks of the power of love in its ability to move mountains and bring people to their knees. The fourth verse warns of the dangers of love and how it can lead even the most sensible person to lose their mind. The song ends with a mention of a girl who played her instrument late into the night and whose song was so beautiful that it caused a lover who had been cruel to someone else to be punished by being burned alive.

Line by Line Meaning

يا غصـن نقا مكللا بالذهب
Oh pure branch adorned with gold

أفديك من الردى بأمي وأبي
I would sacrifice my mother and father to save you from harm

إن كنتُ أسأت في هواكم أدبي
If I have ever been rude in loving you

العصمة لا تكـون إلا لنبي
Only a prophet is immune to faults

يا مالك مهجتـي تـرفّـق باللهْ
Oh owner of my soul, have mercy with God

لا بدّ لكل عاشـق مـن زلةْ
Every lover is bound to stumble

روحي تلفت ومهجتي في علة
My spirit is lost and my soul is in agony

لا حـول ولا قـوة إلا باللهْ
There is no power or strength but in God

الغصن إذا رآك مقبل سجدا
When the branch sees you, it bows in prostration

والعين إذا رأتك تخشى الرمدا
And when the eyes behold you, they tremble with awe

يا من بوصاله يداوي الكبدا
Oh you whose companionship heals the heart