- Fèy
"Fèy" is a traditional "
vodou " folk song inHaïti . In Kréyòl, "fèy" means "leaf", and the lyrics of the song describe a leaf falling from a tree. Like many traditional songs in "vodou" folklore, the lyrics of "Fèy" can hold many meanings, both religious and political. At least two "mizik rasin " bands in the 1990s sang adaptations of the traditional song. A version first performed by RAM in 1992 was banned throughout Haïti during the remaining years of theRaoul Cédras military junta.Political history
In 1991, a military junta headed by Raoul Cédras seized power in a
coup d'etat , overthrowing the elected president,Jean-Bertrand Aristide . RAM, a "rasin" band inPort-au-Prince , which had run afoul of military authorities before, first performed "Fèy" at the 1992Carnival in Port-au-Prince, and then began to perform the song during their weekly concerts at theHotel Oloffson . Despite no overt references to the political situation, a recording of the song was widely played on the radio and immediately taken up throughout the country as an unofficial anthem of support for Aristide. Playing or singing the song was soon banned under military authority, and RAM's leader, Richard A. Morse, was subjected to death threats from the regime.Shacochis, Bob (1999). "The Immaculate Invasion". New York, New York: Penguin Publishing. ISBN 0140248951. pp. 3-12.] In September, 1994, U.S. military troops arrived to oust the Cédras regime and restore Aristide to his presidency. "Fèy" was released on RAM's first album, "Aïbobo", in 1996.RAM (1996). "Aïbobo". Cave Wall Records. ASIN B000008Q17.]Lyrics
"Fèy" is a traditional Haïtian vodou folklore song, and as such the lyrics are in the
public domain . The Kréyòl lyrics are as printed in the liner notes of RAM's first album, "Aïbobo", and the English language translation is by Bob Shacochis.Shacochis, Bob (1999). "The Immaculate Invasion". New York, New York: Penguin Publishing. ISBN 0140248951. pp. 47.]Kréyòl
Fèy yo gade mwen nan branch mwem, yon move tan pase li voye'm jete. Fèy yo gade mwen nan branch mwem, yon move tan pase li voye'm jete. Jou ou wè'm tonbe a, se pa jou a m'koule, jou ou wè'm tonbe a, se pa jou a m'koule. papa, le ya bezwen mwen kote ya jwenn mwen. Papa Bondye wo St. Nikola ye, Papa bon Dye wo St. Nikola ye, yon sèl piti gason m nan yo fè'l kite peyi al'ale...
English
I'm a leaf. Look at me on my branch. A terrible storm came and knocked me off. The day you see me fall is not the day I die. And when they need me, where are they going to find me? The good Lord, and St. Nicola, I only have one son And they made him leave the country.
Audio samples
References
;Cited References
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