Umm Kulthum's concert in Abu Dhabi in the 1970s

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"Abu Dhabi and the Gulf on a date with Umm Kulthum" is how Al Ittihad announced the Egyptian singer's concerts.
"A grand artistic dream is materialising these days; the Lady of Arabic Song will share in the festivities of the people of Abu Dhabi on Accession Day; the Star of the Orient will perform two evening concerts ... on Sunday 28 and Tuesday 30 November."
Both of Umm Kulthum's concerts were broadcast live on television and radio.
Here we present an unedited video of one of the unforgettable performances by the First Lady of Arab song, singing The Heart Longs for Beauty.
Here is an excerpt from the lyrics of the 40 minute-long song.
The Heart Longs for Beauty
Lyrics: Mahmud Bayram al Tunusi
Composer: Riyad al Sanbati
The heart longs for beauty
Much beauty my eyes have beheld
True love is rare
But it lasts no more than a day or two
The one I fell for today loves eternally
He blames not the repentant
The one and only he is
His light illuminates the universe
He called me to his doorstep and I went to him
When he was revealed to me
With tears I responded
I strayed away... he kept calling
Telling me one day you will submit to me
Heed me... heed me and only me my child
I am your only true love
I gave you when you didn't ask
I taught you when you didn't know
Were you to see all that I granted you
You will realise how generous I am to you
Give yourself to me and you will be saved
Mecca where mountains of light
Overlook the house of every believer
As we passed though the gates of peace
Our hearts were filled with tranquillity
With the grace of a merciful God
Above our heads doves winged in flocks
Countless as a night sky's stars
Thousand after thousands hover over us
Congratulating us for absolution
Guided by the one and only
We came to a meadow, a piece of paradise
Where all believers receive what they ask for
A place of song and joy
A place of light
A river of compassion
One drink from it makes the soul sour
God's angels were there, drinking with us
They came to augur forgiveness
We hope all of our beloved would enjoy what we enjoyed
Oh God promise them and receive us
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