The Dance of Zalongo, performed by the US Army Europe & Africa Band & Chorus.
Excellent performance and remarkably no accent at all from the great singer!
Profound thanks to the USA!
In 1813, after the suppression of the last revolution of Souli, Epirus, and the destruction of their homes in Souli, a group of Souliot women and children found themselves encircled by Ottoman troops on the top of Mount Zalongo, their men already dead in combat. To avoid rape and chattel slavery, they threw their children off the cliff and then went down themselves. Legend has it that they did so one by one, dancing:
"Fish won't live ashore, flowers won't spring on sandy beaches,
and women of Souli won't live without honour and freedom.
Farewell poor world, farewell sweet life,
and you, unfortunate motherland, fare well forever"