Dani Su Bez Broja

Bristol Beacon, 6th July 2013 – Gurt Lush Choir with St Mary Redcliffe All-Star Orchestra & Youth Choir, Soloist Diana Whiteside

A song of unmitigated heartbreak. Made famous by the Croatian group ‘Magazin’, the original featured a vocal cameo by Esma Redžepova, ‘Queen of the Gypsies’. Written by Tonči Huljić. Arranged for chorus & orchestra by Gurt Lush Arrangements. Thanks to Tonci for letting us use his song!

Esma Redžepova (born August 8,1943) is a Romanian Macedonian songwriter and humanitarian born in Yugoslavia (today Republic of Macedonia). During her life she has performed in more than 8000 concerts in 30 countries. With her late husband Stevo Teodosievski she has fostered 47 children. She has received numerous accolades for her humanitarian work. By her own account she has created more than 500 works of art. These include 108 singles, 20 albums and 6 movies!

Esma was a member of the Democratic party. After its dissolution, she went over to the conservative party. During the most recent elections, she became a member of the City Council of Skopje (capital and biggest city of the Republic of Macedonia).

The English translation of the song is roughly as follows:

Up until today I haven’t
told this to anyone, but I will now, out loud
Now I will scream let it be heard
Let it echo all through the world

I don’t know whether I’m dead or alive
ever since you pulled off my wings
I don’t remember being happy

Days are countless
nameless and colourless
ever since I haven’t been yours

The seagulls’ song
has to travel across the sea
but without you, I
can’t take a single step

Love is shouting from the housetops
Even if you wanted it, she wouldn’t
wouldn’t go through the world in silence
I’m carrying its sounds wherever I go

I don’t know whether I’m dead or alive
ever since you pulled off my wings
I don’t remember being happy

Days are countless
nameless and colourless
ever since I haven’t been yours