Kan Yama Kan (Once Upon a Time)

Once Upon a Time (1986) [Music composed by Walid Itayim and Munir Khauli.]

[This song describes reasons that motivate youth to leave Lebanon for greener pastures.]

My mind is telling me to flee with my feathers intact.

I'm thinking of splitting,

before I end up drinking whiskey and smoking hashish

like everyone else.

I thought I'd wait two to three years and it's been a dozen,

and it's still dragging on.

So don't no one tell me to stay and do not console me,

I want to leave.

Once upon a time, long ago, we had some self respect.

Now we have nothing left, by God, it's a shame.

Why must I be disgraced in my own country when I can travel

like a respectable man?

Pack up all my belongings and God be with my wheels (1),

I'm going to get a life.

Once upon a time, long ago, we had some self respect.

Now we have nothing left, by God, it's a shame.

I will find a country that will welcome me, and deliver for me.

I'll find something to do, to distract myself and help me forget.

Now there are more Lebanese abroad than there are in Lebanon,

and you ask me why?

The worst criminals in the world are now working in Lebanon,

now you know why.

Once upon a time, long ago, we had some self respect.

Now we have nothing left, by God, it's a shame.

I will find a country that will welcome me, and deliver for me.

I'll find something to do, to distract myself and help me forget.

I'll find a job that's good for me, to get me going.

Let me inquire, "O God, where exactly do I stand?"

Once upon a time, long ago, once upon a time, long ago, 

Once upon a time, long ago, once upon a time, long ago,

Once upon a time, upon a time, upon a time...

(1) Local expression taken to mean: "May God be with you."