Y espera, señor, que me estoy empolando,
poniéndome lo verde y lo colorado.
Espera, señor, veré a mi madre,
veré a mis hermanitos, también mi padre.
Transando, transando, que me le de lumbre,
con todo el kahal hemos de cumplir.
Quien tiene buen cuerpo que salga al baile,
y el que no le tiene que mire y calle.
And wait, sir, for I am powdering myself,
putting on the green and the red.
Wait, sir, I will see my mother,
I will see my little brothers, also my father.
Getting ready, getting ready, may I shine,
with the entire community, we must fulfill (our duty).
Whoever has a good body should go out to dance,
and whoever does not have one should look on and be quiet
Jerusalem National Sound Archives placement: Y 5418/8
Referenced and notated in: Judeo-Spanish Moroccan Songs for the Life Cycle, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 1989 Susana Weich-Shahak.
This traditional wedding song from Tetuan reflects the anticipation of the groom as the bride prepares herself. She adorns herself in vibrant colors, bids farewell to her family, and embraces her role in the communal festivity. The song highlights the importance of beauty, grace, and participation in the dance, while those who cannot join are expected to observe in silence.
This website was created by Orit Perlman with the collaboration and blessings of Dr. Susana Weich-Shahak in 2025