Recently, I`ve started listening to Arab music. It`s definitely my new thing.
It`s the only music I don`t understand a single word from, and I love it! It`s a true blessing. Not knowing what they`re saying, is key. Finally, there`s music to enjoy, without being reminded heartbreak from the 90s. Not only the 90s. You don`t have to deal with every love, heartbreak and man you`ve had since.
I have become quite the maniac when it comes to text. Every song out there reminds me of something. And there`s hard- core shit. When it comes to love, I`ve lived hard. One song can change my evening entirely. One song can change my week. Because of a song, I can go to Oslo. Because of a song, I can turn in Kristiansand.
Consequently, I try to avoid lyrics altogether. It took some time before I got it. I believe I was in bed one night, thinking;…music…, the best there is…I only wish I could have listened to something, completely Arabic.
It was quite simple, really, as soon as I had reflected upon the idea. Clearly, I was left with; Arab.
Spotify is such a goldmine. It wasn`t challenging at all. All I did was finding the categories, and there it was: Arab music. First, I went for the Arabic disco music. Hits from the 90s. I`ve stayed there for a while now. I know who`s in, and I know who`s out. And there`s some good looking fellas, I must say. Not only do they know how to sing. There`s a lot of dark hair and beard going on, too. Obviously, then, it`s a bit about men anyway. However, these are men without stories, and that`s okay. Naturally, I like the female singers also. Although, unfortunately, there`s not plenty of them. But clearly, I include the ones I can find.
Sometimes I wonder, of course, what the songs are all about. I find myself completely relying on Spotify, here. I sure hope they know what they`re doing. For a moment or two, I considered sending lyrics to a mother- tongue- teacher. Just to make sure. You never know. From time to time, I sing along, you know. Sure, I`d like to avoid heavy propaganda and female oppression. But don`t get me wrong. I don`t think there`s more, or less, of it, there. People have all kinds of opinions, don`t they. It’s just an advantage knowing. There`s an advantage knowing what you`re singing along to.
It`s mostly in the evenings I open up to the Arab music culture. The standard routine is a hot bath while listening to music. A beautiful duo, I must say. As soon as the children are put to bed, I head to the bathroom. It`s me- time, and it`s instead of TV. I stay there until my skin gets wrinkly, and the water gets cold. It requires just the right music, of course. But that`s the beauty of Spotify. I`m the boss. I`m in charge. Obviously, I`m quite picky when it comes to Arab too. If you can`t shake it, then switch it. They`re there somewhere. You wait and see.
At times, I enjoy myself to such an extent, that I almost faint. It`s because I like my water hot. Without exception, I empty the water tank and it looks like I`m boiling eggs. But my back is having such a good time, though. My joints are jolly and bright. So instead, I open the windows. Or I just leave the door open. However, I don`t want to wake up my kids, so I mostly go for the window- arrangement. And now and again, the volume gets a bit loud. Now and again, you get caught up in the moment.
I won`t deny it. It has definitely crossed my mind. What are they thinking? My closest neighbours, who get Khaled straight in their face. Living by the riverside presents a few challenges. It`s like having speakers all around. Hopefully, they enjoy it. Hopefully, they can appreciate unbound rhythm and micro intervals.
Hopefully. I mean, for most parts, they don`t get what`s being said either. Maybe they are wondering what the hell I`m doing. Maybe they think I get it. Or maybe they think I`ve converted.
Honestly, though, I can`t blame them. I could be that girl. After all, I look quite sad. I walk like an old crock, and I`m staying home a lot. I`m transparent most of the year, and there` s a lot of mess in my backyard. They probably think it lacks purpose. They probably think I am searching.
And I don`t want to frighten them. You know, people have become so afraid. So paranoid. Probably, they`ll feel that this was how it all started. In six months, they`ll be like;
“…Well, it all started with the Khaled music. And then she started with those hijabs. Now we`re suspecting a foot soldier, to be honest. Yeah, Isis is probably next door…”
These things can alarm anyone. I get that. However, there must be something mediocre. Surely, it must be a leeway, a room to operate, between Britney and extremism? And Islam is not ISIS. It never was, and it never will be. Nor is Arabic music equivalent to Islam. For all I know, I`ll listen to Kurdish music tonight. Performed by a Christian, Turkish guy. It`s not about languages, at all. On the contrary. I`m in it for the rhythm. I`m only into melody.
And what happened to cultural exchange, anyway? Immigrants are expected to embrace Norwegian culture. – All the time, and right away! Not only are they expected to integrate to the degree that they can manage their surroundings,- we want them to go skiing and eat brown cheese, as well! But what about us? How much do we know? Hearts crossed, how many have actually worn a sari? And why not? Most likely, you`ll never feel more feminine ever again. And of course, let the guys try it too!
Let`s all do it together!
Now, I`ve started the embracing process. I’m welcoming the eastern culture wholeheartedly. Music first, and then, who knows? On Saturday, I`ll go to Yasmin`s Boutique and buy myself a sari. A pink one. The best faux- silk- kind they have. I`ll dance around in my living room. Pink fabric all through the air. I`ll leave the windows open, too. Let them have it! Let them hear!
For my next birthday, it`ll be an eastern- themed party. We`re all wear saris, and we`ll dance till the sun breaks through. No more songs filled with emotions. No more songs full of men! Instead, I wanna dance! I wanna live! Happily and carefree!
I want my sari to flutter around!
I wanna sing in Kurdish, all night through!
36s on!