10 April 2020

Vox Cantoris: Wa Habibi-Good Friday Hymn

An Arab Catholic Good Friday hymn, from my good friend, Vox Cantoris: Wa Habibi:


 وا حبيبي وا حبيبي أي حال أنت فيه
من رآك فشجاك أنت أنت المفتدي
يا حبيبي أي ذنب حمل العدل بنيه
فأزادوك جراحاً ليس فيها من شفاء
حين في البستان ليلاً سجد الفادي الإلة
كانت الدنيا تصلي للذي أغنى الصلاة
شجر الزيتون يبكي و تناديه الشفاء
يا حبيبي كيف تمضي أترى ضاع الوفاء

My beloved, my beloved
What state are you in?
He who sees you, for you would cry
You are the one and only sacrifice

My beloved,
What blame have the nations put upon you?
They melted you with wounds,
To which no healing would do

When in the dark orchard at night
The God Creator knelt and prayed
Life was praying with the One
Who gave life hope and prayer

The olive trees are crying
As the lips of men quiver 
My beloved how will you go?
Has loyalty gone forever?

My beloved, my beloved
What state are you in?
He who sees you, for you would cry
You are the one and only sacrifice.


This is one of two official Catholic hymns adopted from the 20th century. I think it is originally Maronite due to the music and usage in church. This Good Friday hymn is sung by the Lebanese singer Fairuz. I have set this song to the Fourteen Stations of the Cross.

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