Were Were

"Werê Werê" (often titled "Werê Werê Le Sallama") is a celebration of Kurdish dance culture and the communal joy found in weddings and gatherings. The title phrase translates to "Come, Come," a universal invitation in Kurdish folk music that symbolizes a desire for connection, reunion, and participation.

On a surface level, the song is a direct address to a beloved, asking them to return or to step into the dance circle. The addition of "Sallama" refers specifically to a dance style involving rhythmic swaying or shaking, grounding the song in the physical reality of the Govend (folk dance). In this context, the lyrics celebrate the vibrancy of life, where the act of dancing becomes a metaphor for vitality and resilience.

Deeper implicit meanings touch upon the importance of unity and cultural preservation. In Kurdish tradition, the govend is not just a dance but a social glue that binds the community. By singing "Come, come," the artist is not just calling a lover, but reinforcing the social fabric, ensuring that the tradition continues. The energetic delivery transforms any potential sorrow of separation (implied by the plea to "come") into an active, positive expression of presence and joy.

The song unfolds as a rhythmic and repetitive invitation, serving as a call to action for a beloved or a collective group to join in the dance. The central motif revolves around the phrase "Were were" (Come, come), which acts as a persistent, hypnotic plea. This invocation is often directed at a specific figure—sometimes a "cruel" lover who has stayed away, or simply a beautiful dancer whose presence is missed in the circle.

As the song progresses, the lyrics shift focus to the physical act of the "Sallama," a reference to a specific style of dance characterized by swaying and shaking movements. The singer encourages this motion, celebrating the vitality and grace of the dancer's body. Traditional imagery of beauty is woven throughout, likely praising the beloved's stature, their eyes, or the way they move, creating a scene of admiration and festive energy.

The structure is cyclical, mirroring the endless loop of the govend (dance circle), where the repetition of verses reinforces the trance-like state of the celebration. It is less about a linear story and more about sustaining a moment of communal euphoria, urging the listener to leave their worries behind and surrender to the rhythm of the "Sallama."

The song "Werê Werê" (specifically the "Sallama" version) by Zîlan Şervan was officially released as a single in 2021, although acoustic performances and live versions appeared online in late 2020. The track was produced by Mehmet Kızıl (Kızıl Production) and features music and lyrics credited to Hozan Sertaç (Sertaç Kılıç).

Zîlan Şervan, a Kurdish artist based in Turkey, has built a reputation for her powerful interpretations of traditional and contemporary folk songs, particularly those suited for weddings (dilan) and dances (govend). This specific track was designed to be a high-energy dance number, capitalizing on the popularity of the "Sallama" rhythm which is a staple in Kurdish weddings across the region. The song's production mixes traditional instruments with modern studio beats to create a sound that appeals to younger generations while respecting folk roots.

The lyrics and structure of "Werê Werê" rely heavily on cultural symbols associated with Kurdish festivities:

• The Circle (Govend): While not explicitly described in every line, the song's rhythm and purpose symbolize the circle of the dance, representing unity, equality, and the infinite cycle of community life.
• "Were Were" (Come, Come): This recurring phrase is a metaphor for yearning and inclusion. It represents the pull of the homeland, the community, or the lover, urging the individual to return to the collective fold.
• Sallama (The Sway/Shake): The specific dance move symbolizes liberation and vitality. Shaking off the weight of daily struggles through vigorous movement is a core theme in many Kurdish dance songs.
• The Beloved's Beauty: Mentions of physical traits (like height or eyes) serve as an allegory for the beauty of the culture and the land itself, a common trope in folk poetry where love for a person and love for the homeland often blur.

The predominant emotion is joyful exuberance mixed with a hint of passionate longing. The music itself—with its zurna (flute) melodies and pounding drums—is undeniably celebratory, designed to induce a state of happiness and collective energy. However, the vocal delivery by Zîlan Şervan carries a raw, soulful quality that hints at the underlying melancholy often present in Kurdish history and art. It is a defiant joy—a celebration of life in spite of hardships. The song creates an atmosphere of warm, sweaty, communal connection, evoking the feeling of a crowded wedding hall where everyone is united in rhythm.

"Werê Werê" by Zîlan Şervan has become a staple in the Kurdish wedding circuit (Dawet) across Turkey and the diaspora. Its popularity lies in its perfect suitability for the Govend, making it a "must-play" track for DJs and bands at celebrations.

• Digital Success: The song has garnered millions of views on platforms like YouTube and TikTok, where users frequently post videos of themselves performing the traditional dances to this track.
• Modern Folk Revival: By packaging traditional lyrics and rhythms with modern production, Zîlan Şervan contributes to a wave of artists keeping Kurdish folk music relevant for the younger, digital-native generation.
• Social Function: The song serves a functional role in social gatherings, acting as an icebreaker that gets people out of their seats and into the circle, reinforcing community bonds.

The song follows a strict, dance-oriented meter, likely a 2/4 or 4/4 time signature tailored for the Sallama or Govend step. The rhythm is fast and syncopated, with a heavy emphasis on the downbeat to guide the dancers' stomps.

Lyrically, the song employs a simple AABB or AAAA rhyme scheme in its verses, typical of oral folk traditions designed for easy memorization and improvisation. The rhymes are often perfect rhymes (e.g., matching vowel and consonant sounds at the end of lines), which enhances the rhythmic flow and makes the song catchy and chant-like. The pacing is relentless, starting with high energy and maintaining it throughout to keep the dancers moving without pause.

Musical Techniques:

• Rhythmic Drive: The song employs a fast-paced, driving beat typical of Halay music, designed to synchronize the footsteps of dancers. The percussion is dominant, providing a relentless "heartbeat" for the track.
• Call and Response: The vocal delivery follows a traditional call-and-response pattern, where the singer's verses act as the call, and the instrumental hooks or repeated choruses serve as the community's response.
• Vocal Ornamentation: Zîlan Şervan uses traditional vocal techniques, including quick trills and emotional inflections, to add depth to the repetitive melody.

Literary Techniques:

• Repetition (Epistrophe): The constant repetition of "Were were" creates a chanting effect, emphasizing the urgency of the invitation.
• Direct Address: The lyrics are written in the second person ("You"), creating an intimate and direct connection between the singer and the listener/dancer.

What does 'Were Were' mean in Kurdish?

'Were Were' translates to 'Come, Come' in English. It is a very common phrase in Kurdish folk songs, used to passionately invite a lover, a friend, or the community to join in a gathering or return home.

What kind of dance is the 'Sallama' mentioned in the song?

The 'Sallama' refers to a specific rhythmic style within Kurdish folk dance (Govend/Halay). It typically involves shaking the shoulders or swaying the body in time with the music. The song's lyrics and beat are designed to accompany this specific movement.

Who wrote the song 'Were Were Le Sallama'?

The lyrics and music for Zîlan Şervan's version of the song are credited to Hozan Sertaç (Sertaç Kılıç). It is a contemporary composition deeply rooted in traditional folk styles.

Is Zîlan Şervan a traditional singer?

Zîlan Şervan is a contemporary Kurdish singer who specializes in traditional folk genres like Govend and Halay. She modernizes these traditional sounds for today's audience, performing primarily at weddings, festivals, and cultural events.

When was Zîlan Şervan's 'Were Were' released?

The official studio single was released in April 2021, though live acoustic versions of the song performed by Zîlan Şervan appeared online in late 2020.