oh guide, oh guide from the story The Centipede

Written by: Badi‘e Khairy

Composed by: Sayyed Darwish

May your day be full of light;

Abu Zaqzuq, be merry tonight;

Son of our alley, our joy and pride;

Even your daughters make good brides.

Don’t leave any song unsung.

A polka number if you please, Marika.

We’re in luck tonight and it’s our right.

The night is young, we’ll revel till dawn;

Found a sweet spot with the band and Awlad Rabyah*.

Wed one girl and then the next, Abu Zaqzuq.

May your day be full of light;

Abu Zaqzuq be merry tonight;

Son of our alley, our joy and pride;

Even your daughters make good brides.

From Bulaq and maybe poor,

but you have a pasha’s lure.

You walk with a stride

with six pals by your side.

If the furniture from Marseille will arrive,

how will the Egyptian carpenter thrive?

He’s got hands too and an urban flair.

Don’t go for the imported, don’t you dare!

May your day be full of light;

Abu Zaqzuq, be merry tonight;

Son of our alley, our joy and pride;

Even your daughters make good brides.

The day you’re with your beloved

will be one fine day.

We’ll come to you and applaud you

and speak your name and laud you

long after our souls and money are spent.

May your day be full of light;

Abu Zaqzuq, be merry tonight;

Son of our alley, our joy and pride;

Even your daughters make good brides.