Timeless Tunes: Iconic Syrian Patriotic Songs From the 70s-90s

The patriotic songs of Syria from the 70s to the 90s resonate deeply with many, reflecting the nation’s struggles and aspirations. These powerful melodies rallied citizens during challenging times and celebrated their heritage. Join us as we explore the iconic Syrian patriotic songs that defined an era and continue to inspire today.

1- “Rayatek Bel Aali Ya Souria“

This song is instantly recognizable from its first musical notes. Ghaleb Salahi sang it, Ahmad Qanou wrote it, and Elie Choueiry composed it. Released in 1987, the song remains well-known, with various artists reinterpreting it for national occasions.

2- “Bektob Esmak Ya Bladi”:

Elie Choueiry wrote and composed this song. It only gained popularity when Ghawar (Duraid Lahham) performed it in the play Ghurba. It’s one of our favorite patriotic anthems.

3- “Ya Shabab Al-Arab Hayya”:

As the anthem of the Ba’ath Party, this song appeared in school textbooks, leading many to memorize it from a young age. Suleiman Al-Issa wrote the lyrics, while Elias Al-Rahbani composed the music.

4- “Zayno Al-Marjeh”:

Various stories surround this song, but the most convincing suggests it was to commemorate May 6, 1916. It gained prominence a decade later when theey displayed the body of martyr Ahmad Maryoud in Al-Marjeh Square after his death in Jabata Al-Khashab on May 31, 1926. At that time, a genuine movement was stirring in Damascus, and displaying Maryoud’s body aimed to quell the people. Instead, the people of Damascus gathered to honor the martyr, sprinkling rose water on the square and placing flowers on his body while singing “Zayno Al-Marjeh.”

The original lyrics are unknown, as the current version was revitalized by the artist Duraid Lahham in the 1970s, adding new verses like “Asayel Asayel… Jadayel Jadayel” and “Bismaak El-Bashayer Bi-Ardek Nawayer.” Later, Mansour Rahbani adapted it in the play Summer of 840, performed in 1988, where the Lebanese singer Ghassan Saliba sang “Zayno Al-Marjeh.” Regardless of its origin, this song fills us with pride every time we hear it.

5- “Ana Souri Ah Ya Neyali”:

This song was written by the artist Hossam Tahseen Bek and famously performed by Abdel Rahman Al-Rashi. After that, his image on the horse was engraved in our memory and comes to mind whenever we hear the distinctive chorus ‘Lali Lali Lalii…’

6- “Hiya Hiya Ya Sham”:

Written by the late Issa Ayyoub, composed and performed by the late Samir Helmy, and later covered by Asala Nasri and Melhem Zein, this song holds a special place in our hearts. It brings back memories of watching it on TV as children, accompanied by scenes of Damascus.