Theodorakis - II With the Star's Lamp - Με το λύχνο του άστρου - Polivios

Mikis Theodorakis (b. 1925)
With the Star's Lamp - Με το λύχνο του άστρου
from the Oratorio - Axion Esti

“I create means I am free – I become free. The message of art is a message of freedom...”

Mikis Theodorakis is a true living legend – simultaneously a leading figure in every major event in modern Greek history, while also an internationally renowned composer of symphonies, oratorios, operas, ballets and chamber music. But at the same time, within Greece, his popular songs – of which there are over 1000 – topped the charts, fueled revolutions, and consoled the masses for the multiple tragedies of decades of nearly continuous war. Having been awarded the IMC UNESCO International Music Prize in 2005 for “his constant struggles for freedom, social justice and human dignity, [which] rise above national boundaries and become a legacy for all humanity.”

Performed by Ensemble Logos:
Polivios - Vocals, Bouzouki, Guitar
Lisa Butzlaff - Flute, Piccolo
Sue Ryall - Clarinet, Bass Clarinet
Laurenne Sideen - Horns

More info at:

Lyrics: Odysseas Elytis
Music: Mikis Theodorakis

Lyrics below in English, original Greek, and German.

TEXT:

With the star's lamp I went out to the heavens.
to the horefrost of the prarie, the world's only shore
Where may I find my soul, The four-leaf tear.

My girls are in mourning for the ages,
My boys bear rifles and yet do not know
Where may I find my soul, The four-leaf tear.

Με το λύχνο του άστρου στους ουρανούς εβγήκα
στο αγιάζι των λειμώνων στη μόνη ακτή του κόσμου
που να βρω την ψυχή μου το τετράφυλλο δάκρυ!

Τα κορίτσια μου πένθος για τους αιώνες έχουν
Τ’ αγόρια μου τουφέκια κρατούν και δεν κατέχουν
που να βρω την ψυχή μου το τετράφυλλο δάκρυ!

Mit dem Lüster der Sterne
stieg auf ich zu den Himmeln
durch den Reif der feuchten Wiesen
am Ufer der Welt; der dunkeln

Wo nur wohnt meine Seele,
jene blattgleiche Träne

Und es sind voller Trauer
die Mädchen für Äonen
die Söhne tragen Flinten
doch nichts, was sie besetzen

Wo nur wohnt meine Seele,
jene blattgleiche Träne