Endurance

HEJRAT BY SHAHRIYAR GHANBARI

Translator’s Note

As the child of exiled Iranians caught between their yearning for my assimilation into the upper middle-class white American culture prevalent in Tehrangeles, the realm of Persian music became not only my refuge but also a profound connection to my heritage. However, it wasn't until my late twenties and early thirties that lyrics truly took center stage, overshadowing the captivating beats and rhythms that had permeated my world until then. It was Shahyar Ghanbari’s lyrics for "Hejrat" that brought about a transformative shift in me. These words resonated within me like none other. I found myself listening to it on repeat, internalizing every lyric, savoring its meter, poetry, and profound meaning. The beauty of the prose and imagery struck me to the core, igniting a deep desire to translate this incredible masterpiece from Persian into English. My purpose extended beyond catering to non-Persian speakers; I aimed to unlock the full potential of this lyrical treasure trove for first-generation Iranian Americans like myself, who grew up surrounded by its enchantment but lacked the key to fully comprehend its depths.

While growing up, I had been mesmerized by the tunes of Iranian pop icon Googoosh. She transcends the boundaries of mere entertainment; she symbolizes resistance, resilience, and the enduring spirit of a people. Her beautiful voice and groundbreaking contributions challenged societal norms, especially during a period of political upheaval. Googoosh's impact reverberates globally, resonating with diaspora communities and transcending generational gaps. Her ability to infuse emotion and depth into her performances has earned her an enduring place in the hearts of fans worldwide. Googoosh's career trajectory also serves as a poignant reflection of Iran's sociopolitical evolution. From the height of her fame in pre-revolutionary Iran to her triumphant return to the stage after a prolonged silence, Googoosh's journey mirrors the resilience of Iranian culture amidst adversity. The prohibition of female solo singing in Iran after the Islamic Revolution only intensified her significance as a symbol of artistic freedom and cultural heritage.

"Hejrat" stands as one of Googoosh's final mega-hits in Iran prior to the 1979 Islamic Revolution, which led to the prohibition of female solo singing in the country and the rise of a multimedia hub centered in Los Angeles. Googoosh remained in Iran until the year 2000. The significance of "Hejrat" became evident when Googoosh chose to perform it as her first song on stage after a 21-year hiatus, captivating the audience at the Air Canada Center in Toronto. Since then, "Hejrat" has served as a poignant allegory, symbolizing Googoosh's personal departure from her beloved Iran and her triumphant return to her cherished audience. The deliberate selection of this song for Googoosh's highly anticipated comeback, following a prolonged silence of 21 years, underscores its profound significance.

The lyrics of "Hejrat" beautifully incorporate Persian cultural tropes related to nature and the heavenly garden, transforming the tale of lovers into a metaphor for the changing seasons. The refrain particularly highlights vivid references to the Persian paradisiac garden. It's important to note that while "Hijra" in Arabic (الهجرة) refers to the historical journey of Prophet Muhammad and his followers from Mecca to Medina in 622, the Persian rendition of the word transforms the Arabic ta marbuta (ة) into a t (ت), resulting in "Hejrat" (هجرت). In the context of the song, it is unlikely that poet Shahyar Ghanbari alluded to the prophetic migration. Instead, the final stanza suggests a lover's departure or flight. Although the musical composition is considered entirely 'modern,' the poetic tropes within "Hejrat" are inherently Persian. Ghanbari's masterful poem delicately intertwines themes of love and separation with imagery of the seasons, nature, loss, blossoming, and decay.

As of the present moment, Googoosh is gracefully bidding farewell to the stage with her "Fasleh Akhar" tour, approaching her mid-70s. While she anticipates retiring from live performances, her forthcoming memoir in English promises to offer new insights into her remarkable journey. Undoubtedly, Googoosh remains the unparalleled pop icon of modern Iranian history, cherished by the majority and an indelible symbol of Iranian culture.

Richard Nedjat-Haiem

هجرت

Written by Shahriyar Ghanbari and sung by Googoosh




با سقوط دستای ما در تنم چیزی فرو ریخت

Bā saqūṭ-e dastā-ye mā, dar tanam chīzī forū rīkht

هجرتت اوج صدامو از فراز شاخه آویخت

Hijrat-et ūj-e sedāmū az farāz-e shākhe āvīkht

ای زلال سبز جاری، جای خوب غسل تعمید

Ey zollāl-e sabz jārī, jā-ye khūb-e ghosl-e ta'mīd

بی تو باید مرد و پژمرد؛ زير خاک باغچه پوسید

Bī to bāyad mord-o pazhmord; zīr-e khāk-e bāghche pūsīd

فصلی كه من با تو ما شد؛ فصل سبز خواهش برگ

Faslī ke man bā to mā shod; fasl-e sabz-e khāhesh barg

فصلی كه ما بی تو من شد؛ فصل خاکستری مرگ

Faslī ke mā bī to man shod; fasl-e khākestārī-e marg

تو بگو جز تو کدوم رود، ناجی لب‌تشنگی بود؟

To begū jaz to kodum rūd, nājī lab-e tashnagī būd

جز تو آغوش کدوم باغ، سایه‌گاه خستگی بود؟

Jaz to āghūsh kodum bāgh, sāye-gāh-e khastegī būd

بی تو باید، بی تو باید تا نفس دارم ببارم

Bī to bāyad, bī to bāyad tā nafas dāram babāram

من برای گريه کردن شونه‌هاتو کم می‌آرم

Man barāy-e gerye kardan shonaha-to kam miāram

چشم تو با هق‌هق من، با شکستن آشنا نیست

Cheshm-e to bā haq-haq-e man, bā shekastan-e āshnā nīst

این شکستن بی‌صدا بود، هر صدایی که صدا نیست

Īn shekastan bī-sedā būd, har sedā-yī ke sedā nīst

ای رفیق ناخوشی‌ها، این خوشی باید بمیره

Ey rafīq-e nākhoshī-hā, īn khoshī bāyad bemīre

جز تو همراهی ندارم تا شب از من پس بگیره

Jaz to hamrāhī nadāram tā shab az man pas begīre

با تو بدرود ای مسافر، هجرت تو بی‌خطر باد

Bā to be-dorūd ey mosāfer, hijrat-e to bī-khatar bād

پرتپش باشه دلی که خون به رگ‌های تنم داد

Portapesh bāshe delī ke khūn be raghā-ye tanam dād

Hejrat

Translated from Persian by Richard Nedjat-Haiem

Listen to Hejrat (Departure), as performed by Googoosh, here.

 

With the fall of our hands, something deep inside me collapsed.

Your departure echoed through the branches, suspending the melody at its peak.

O green flowing spring, you are the perfect place for a cleansing

I must die and perish; beneath the dust the garden withers underground

The season that became 'we' with you, the season of a freshly turned leaf

The season where we became 'me' without you, the season of grey death

You tell me, which stream but you can quench my thirst?

Which garden, other than yours, provides solace for our fatigue?

Without you, I must— without you, I must weep till my last breath

I lean on your shoulders to let my tears flow.

Your eyes are unfamiliar with my sobbing, with the sound of shattering.

This shattering was silent, not everything makes a sound

Oh companion of sorrows, this happiness must die

I have no companion but you, until night takes you away

I bid you adieu, oh traveler, may your journey be a safe one.

May the heart that gave blood to my veins beat eternally.

 

 

  • Shahyar Ghanbari is a prominent Iranian singer, songwriter, poet, and composer. He was born on January 16, 1949, in Marivan, Iran. Ghanbari is known for his contributions to Iranian music and literature, particularly during the 1970s and 1980s. Ghanbari's poetic and lyrical talents have garnered him acclaim and popularity in Iran and among the Persian-speaking community worldwide. His works often explore themes of love, longing, social issues, and philosophical reflections. Ghanbari's poetic style is characterized by its depth, imagery, and emotional resonance. Throughout his career, Ghanbari has released numerous albums featuring his own compositions and performances. His songs have become widely recognized and beloved, earning him a dedicated fan base. Ghanbari's music spans various genres, blending traditional Persian melodies with contemporary elements. In addition to his musical achievements, Ghanbari is also a published poet and has released several collections of his poems. His writings delve into a wide range of subjects, offering profound insights into human emotions and the complexities of life. Shahyar Ghanbari's artistic contributions have made a lasting impact on Iranian culture and continue to inspire generations of musicians, poets, and enthusiasts. His poetic sensibility and musical creativity have established him as one of the influential figures in Iranian contemporary art.

  • Googoosh, born as Faegheh Atashin, is an iconic Iranian singer, actress, and cultural figure. With a career spaning seven decades, Googoosh emerged as a prominent symbol of Persian pop music, captivating audiences with her powerful and emotive vocals. Her music blended Iranian cultural tropes with entirely modern musical elements, creating a unique and influential sound. Despite facing challenges and a forced hiatus during the Iranian Revolution, Googoosh remains an enduring symbol of resilience and artistic expression, making her an iconic figure in Iranian music history.

  • Richard Nedjat-Haiem is a fourth-year PhD student in Comparative Literature at UCSB. Born and raised in Tehrangeles (Los Angeles), he maintains a strong connection to his Middle Eastern heritage. Richard obtained his undergraduate degree from UCLA and a Master's degree from the University of Chicago. Currently, Richard is deeply immersed in his dissertation, which delves into the transformation of language in Arab popular culture. With expertise in Persian and Arabic, focusing on Arabic dialects, he is also actively expanding his language skills by learning French. Richard's unique intersectionality as a gay, first-generation Persian American Jew, who grew up during the influential era of the Tehrangeles exilic multimedia apparatus, contributes to his profound expertise and genuine interest in exploring the consequences of the revolution and its lasting impact on his own community. Particularly within the realm of diasporic cultural production, Richard delves into the intricate dynamics of how the diaspora community reappropriates pre-Revolutionary tropes to address their specific needs and navigate life in the diaspora. His academic pursuits and personal experiences merge to offer a multifaceted perspective on identity, heritage, and belonging in the aftermath of historical events. This translation serves as a heartfelt tribute to that era.