Issa Boulos wrote Yā Khāyif (Afraid) in 1995 as part of the Musical The Bride of al-Tira, a ghost. This evocative piece translates a haunting family story where the composer’s father spends nights near 'Ain al-Qasr spring, drinking arak and singing in hopes of encountering her. Though the ghost never appears, his father sings in a mix of fear and resignation: Either I am Scared, or I have become like you, a Jinn. Available exclusively at Aria Music, this piece offers a unique blend of cultural storytelling and musical tradition. Explore our carefully curated collection to bring this poignant melody to life in your own performances. The full lyrics are also included as a separate entry. The translation of the song is included in the CD booklet.
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Yā Khāyif (Afraid)
Composer: Issa Boulos
Lyrics: Issa Boulos
Genre/Style: Maqam
Difficulty: 3-4
Instrumentation: 'Ud (or takht) and voice
Publisher: Aria Music Publications
Region: Palestine / Levant / Near East
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