A deeply moving and transformative single, inspired by Syrian poet Hala Mohammad’s experiences of exile and longing for her homeland, blends electronic and acoustic Nordic music with Middle Eastern influences. This track captures the power of poetry and music as tools for peaceful revolution and cultural preservation, embodying the voices of those who fight for freedom and identity through art. The single “Syrien!” will resonate with anyone seeking hope and transformation through music.
Lyrics
The Poem, translated to English, from Danish:
Oh! Syria on the Sea of Death in a paper boat
Hold on to the straw
As easy as you keep breathing
Hold on to the secret!
Grab the straw as oxygen grabs fire
As the poem seizes in the way.
Take care of each other
ups and downs.
A straw for the drowning
The poem in Danish:
Syrien på dødens hav i en båd af papir
Hold fast i halmstrået
Så let som du holder fast i åndedraget
Hold på hemmeligheden!
Grib fat i halmstrået, som ilt griber ild
Som digtet griber i vejen.
Værn om hinanden
i medgang og i modgang.
Et halmstrå for den druknende
Presave link til Syrien:
https://gudrunholck.lnk.to/Syrien
Gudrun Holck is a Danish singer, performer, composer, sound artist, art entrepreneur. Her work spands on a variety of artistic fields and cross-over genres, and her previously released music albums, MUSE, STÆRK and SET SOUND TO CAN LIS, taps into world music, nordic kula and heading calls, folk, indie rock, african inspiration, electronic and sound art.
Gudrun studied music and performance 4 years in West Africa, and has performed around the world. In 2010 she was in Syria again, where she met Hala Mohammad, who is a Syrian poet and documentary film director, and the Author of the lyrics in this song.
Now, Hala lives in exile in Paris, and her poetry collections have been released in French and Arabic. Her poetry was exposed in 30 Metro Stations of Paris, during The Month of Poetry, and La Sorbonne University hosted a reading featuring Hala.
Hala hosts a monthly poetry night at Maison de la Poésie de Montreuil.