Dear friends,

Here are 10 of the best and most iconic ancient/old-school Iranian songs:

1. Morq-e Sahar (Bird of Dawn): A powerful, historical political anthem often considered the unofficial national anthem of Iran’s artistic resistance.
2. Ey Iran (Oh Iran): A patriotic hymn written in 1944 that holds deep patriotic emotional value for many Iranians, acting as a historical national anthem.
3. Elaheyeh Naz (Goddess of Love) by Gholamhossein Banan: A deeply sentimental classical masterpiece, often hailed for its pure traditional melody.
4.Bordi Az Yadam (You Forgot Me) by Delkash and Vigen: A nostalgic, iconic song representing the “Golden Age” of Iranian popular music in the 1950s/60s YouTube.
5. Gole Yakh (Ice Flower) by Kourosh Yaghmaei: A defining, melancholy rock-ballad from the 1970s that bridged Western influence with Persian sentiment.
6. Soghati (Souvenir) by Hayedeh: An emotional anthem of homesickness and love, performed by one of Iran’s most revered female voices.
7. Jamal Jamaloo (Oh My Beloved): A traditional Shiraz folk song popularized in the 1950s that recently achieved global recognition.
8. Mard-e Tanha (The Lonely Man) by Farhad Mehrad: A haunting, atmospheric song that became a cultural mainstay.
9. Hamsafar (Companion) by Googoosh: A catchy pop song from the 1970s reflecting the modernizing, vibrant era of pre-revolutionary Iran.
10. Majnoon Naboudom (I Was Not a Madman) by Sima Bina: A traditional Khorasani folk song showcasing the deep roots of Iranian folk music.

These songs bridge the gap between classical Iranian poetry (Radif) and modern melodic forms, retaining their popularity across generations.

Bordi Az Yadam” (You Forgot Me) is a timeless 1957 Iranian duet by pioneers Delkash and Vigen. Composed by Mostafa Gorginzadeh with lyrics by Parviz Khatibi, the song is a bittersweet tale of a broken heart, longing, and romantic betrayal, becoming an iconic masterpiece of Persian pop’s “Golden Age”.”

The lyrics capture a dialogue between two lovers:

The Heartbreak: One lover laments that the other has cast aside all promises and left them in a “land of sorrow”.

The Conflict: It explores the vulnerability of unconditional love, expressing both the joy of remembering past affections and the pain of being abandoned.

The History

Pioneering Format: Released in the 1950s, it marked a historic moment in Iranian music by pairing Delkash (a traditional classical vocalist) with Vigen (an Iranian-Armenian singer who pioneered Western-influenced pop).

The Blend of Styles: The track served as a bridge between traditional Persian melodies (tasnif) and modern Western rhythms, helping to shape the nascent Persian pop genre.

Cultural Impact: It remains one of the most recognizable and nostalgic songs in Iranian history, frequently covered by contemporary artists to connect with Persian cultural roots.

Below I have several youtube clips, sharing with you all.

Phạm Thu Hương

o0o

Bordi az yadam (Forgot me) Arranged for Classical Guitar By: Boghrat

BBC – Persan Music

Neena Roe – Bordi Az Yadam