About this performance

“For context, this all-female choir was repeatedly used by the Assad regime as a propaganda tool. Today, their singers are weeping as they sing a song written by one of Syria’s most famous revolutionaries, embracing his own martyrdom before he was tragically slain.” – Oz Katerji

Translation of lyrics

Oh mother, in a new dress
Celebrate my martyrdom
I come to you a martyr dressed in the Eid’s garments
And heaven is my new home
Celebrate and be happy with me
And forgive me for leaving you
Wipe your tears and your groans
Make me happy by seeing you laugh
I just wish that you’d be pleased with me
Kiss my brother and sister for me
Mother, ask my family and my children
To walk the path of martyrdom
I am now in a home where the righteous are
The companions and the chosen ones
In heaven there’s a light, men and maidens
Mother, happiness is eternal here.

Context of the song’s origin

“The song is sang by my brother, the free hero, Abdel Basset Sarout. He recorded it when he was in Homs’ countryside. The song is dedicated to him and the parents of Homs’ true martyrs who lost their lives on January 8th 2014, as they sought to break the siege on trapped civilians. I say to him: Oh hero, get up and continue the path, we are all your brothers, you are the son of Homs, an unprecedented hero. You are our example, get up and continue what you started, mountains bow to the likes of you. May God protect you and shield you from your and our enemies, the enemies of God, the enemies of humanity. Get up, for our life won’t be complete until we are accomplish victory.” – Wasfi Al-Maasrani, the original uploader of the professionally recorded song.

Source: Free Syria via Leila Al-Shami.