45. Los amigos me dan esperanza (Çakum Effendi)

This şarki has hardly been documented, although it appears to have been quite popular mostly in Salonica (Bassan 1947, nos. 56, 81; Levy 1959-1973, vol. I, no. 44). Besides the recording by Çakum, we know of an almost identical one by Haim Effendi of which we only possess a copy of a copy (NSA Y 09487/2). Attias (1972, no. 67) includes a longer version with several refrains. For further recordings see: NSA Y 09508 (1) and NSA Y 09479 both sung by Isaac Sene (Havassy 2007, ES 090). The musical style and tonality hints at a European model, particularly in the refrain in the waltz style.

Los amigos me dan la esperanza

y una parte de consolación.

Tu sos fresca como la rosa,

de ti espero la salvación.

Oh Dio mio, la esperanza pedrí yo.

Quero murir, d’este mundo quero salir.

Lágrimas vierto como la fuente.

Tú, querida, me queres matar.

En tu torno me haces despecho

sin pensar lo que puede arrivar.

Oh Dio mio, la esperanza pedrí yo.

Quero murir, d’este mundo quero salir.