“Liyya: A Blend of Elegy and Love Songs”
In Jabal Amel, the popular genre of “Liyya” is a cherished form of traditional singing. While common across the Levant, Jabal Amel’s Liyya carries a unique flavor, blending Karbalaean sorrow with lighthearted melodies and romantic lyrics, creating a delightful and distinctive mix.
When asked about the history and essence of Liyya, historian Kassem Hejeij explained:
“Liyya is a form of popular singing performed during joyous gatherings. It remains beloved among the people of Jabal Amel, with many poets, scholars, and intellectuals composing and performing Liyya over the years.
Historian Muhammad Najeeb Marwah recounts that Sheikh Habib Al-Kadhimi, a prominent figure of his time, performed Liyya during a gathering in Jwaya at the home of Abu Hussein Ali Akar in the early 20th century. On being teased about Abu Hussein’s infatuation with a woman named Khadouj, the sheikh humorously sang:
Liyya, Liyya, O young maiden,
O water-fetcher by the spring.
Return your scarf, Khadouj,
Near the embroidered dress.
If you want a clumsy husband,
Ali Akar is here in Jwaya.
When told about Sayyed Khalil Hashim’s love for Thurayya, he playfully added:
Return the scarf to your shoulders,
The taste of honey is on your lips.
When the moon saw you, Thurayya,
It stopped rising in the sky.
Similarly, when informed of Abu Ali Ahmed Maki’s passion for Hasna Al-Jammal, the sheikh composed:
Scratch your head, scratch it,
There’s no way to let him go.
Show some mercy to Ahmed Maki,
O Hasna Al-Jammaliya.
Finally, for Muhammad Soufan and his infatuation with Sakhna Al-Jashi, he created:
Return the scarf to your cheeks,
How sweet life is with you.
O Sakhna Al-Jashi, your charms,
Are like pomegranates from Darayya.
“Liyya: Yesterday and Today”
Hejeij concluded:
“Religious conservatism has never stifled poetry and singing in Jabal Amel. Even today, despite the prevalence of religious commitment, Liyya remains a companion of Jabal Amel’s joyful nights.”
