yAR by گاو

I’m a first-generation Iranian American, born by the Caspian Sea in Gilan, where we speak Gilaki a sweet, soulful dialect that holds a deep place in my heart.

After 43 years, I returned to my birth town and was heartbroken to see that many in the new generation no longer speak Gilaki. It’s fading.

So I decided to do something about it. I’m creating an album called

HOME + LAND
America, my home.
Gilan, my land.

Seven songs all in Gilaki.

Song number 6: Yar
Music and performance: Jayce
Produced by: Patrick Aguirre

My hope is that, if young generation see us singing and dancing, they’ll feel the beauty of Gilaki dialect, and speak it with pride.
Jayce

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Lyrics from a very old Gilaki folk song by Faramarz Doaei, reimagined through my own journey.

بی‌یا مره یاری بدن
می دل دلداری بدن
می زندگی پر از غم

عه حرف باز بگوفتمع
فراس مره بوسختمه
چره نایی تو؟
بیی دوباره پا گیرم
تی دستن هنا گیرم
اگر بایی تو

Come, be the one beside me
Bring a little peace to my heart
My life is heavy with sorrow

I spoke my truth out loud
But fear set my soul on fire

Why didn’t you come?

So I could fall for you again
So I could hold your hennaed hands

If only you had come. 🎶

Lyrics from a very old Gilaki folk song by Faramarz Doaei, reimagined through my own journey.