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Born in 1967, Madalina Manole, also known as the “girl with the hair of fire” due to her auburn hair, has become one of the most cherished Romanian singers. Her intensely emotional songs have helped her secure a special place in the hearts of Romanians of all ages. Her music, imbued with folk rock influences, is timeless, and her lyrics strike a chord in even the most impassionate of listeners. Born into a family that valued music highly, Manole took guitar lessons from a young age and later pursued her musical studies in The Popular School of Arts. Before her meteoric rise, she formed the Alfa şi Beta group, performing and touring the country with other acclaimed Romanian singers, such as Victor Socaciu and Mihaela Runceanu. Her participation in the Mamaia Music Festival in 1988 brought her to the public’s attention, but it was the song “Fata draga, nu fi trista” (Lovely girl, do not be sad), penned by her future husband Serban Georgesu, that propelled her to stardom.

"Her intensely emotional songs have helped her secure a special place in the hearts of Romanians of all ages. Her music, imbued with folk rock influences, is timeless, and her lyrics strike a chord in even the most impassionate of listeners"

It has become the track for which she is best remembered. It is dedicated to all those who are in love, but whose love is either unrequited or has been wounded. As the title suggests, Madalina urges us to not be sad or hold a grudge against those who have caused us pain, but rather to look on the bright side and learn from our failed relationships. Love’s ways are difficult if not impossible to master, especially at a young age: “Asa au fost si vor fi/ Cararile inimii/ Asa se-ntampla ori de cate ori iubim” (This is how they’ve always been and will forever stay/ Love’s ways/ This is what happens every time we fall in love). Therefore, it is only with time that we will finally begin to grasp the fickleness of love, and only by experiencing life, with its ups and downs, will we finally achieve a certain level of maturity: “Ai sa-ntelegi mai tarziu si-ai sa-mi/ dai dreptate, stiu” (In time, you will understand/ and realise I was right).

Likewise, even though love hurts sometimes, dwelling on the past for too long can cause us even more unnecessary pain. We should, instead of falling prey to despair and hopelessness, draw a line and move forward, as true love will find us eventually: “Fata draga, nu fi trista fiindca e pacat/ Fara lacrimi nu exista dor adevarat/ Dar se zvanta, nor in soare, lacrima usor/ Si surasul reapare cald si-nfloritor” (Lovely girl, do not despair as it is not worth it/ There is no true yearning, without tears/ It is the sun, who dries out the rain in the clouds, weep feebly/ And soon a smile will blossom warm on your lips again).

"The song is filled with positivity and optimism, suggested by Manole’s invitation to hold our heads high and smile in the face of adversity: “Fruntea sus/ si-mpreuna sa zambim” (Keep your head high/ and let us smile together)"

The song is filled with positivity and optimism, suggested by Manole’s invitation to hold our heads high and smile in the face of adversity: “Fruntea sus/ si-mpreuna sa zambim” (Keep your head high/ and let us smile together). This timeless song, with its mellow musical tones, soothes the hearts of those who listen to it. In total, Madalina Manole recorded ten hugely successful albums. The themes of her songs range from love and failed relationships to the passing of time and the preconceptions we face and fight off daily.

Lyrics:

Fata draga, nu fi trista fiindca e pacat, Fara lacrimi nu exista dor adevarat. Dar se zvanta, nor in soare, lacrima usor, Si surasul reapare cald si-nfloritor La fel si eu am iubit Si cineva m-a mintit,Am plans si drumul fara rost mi s-a parut, Dar dupa o zi si inca o zi, Cerul cald al inimii, Stralucea insorit ca la inceput Refren: Fata draga, nu fi trista fiindca e pacat, Fara lacrimi nu exista dor adevarat. Dar se zvanta, nor in soare, lacrima usor, Si surasul reapare cald si-nfloritor Asa au fost si vor fi Cararile inimii Asa se-ntampla ori de cate ori iubim, Ai sa-ntelegi mai tarziu si-ai sa-mi dai dreptate, stiu, Fruntea sus si-mpreuna sa zambim Refren: Fata draga, nu fi trista fiindca e pacat, Fara lacrimi nu exista dor adevarat. Dar se zvanta, nor in soare, lacrima usor, Si surasul reapare cald si-nfloritor Si surasul reapare cald si-nfloritor Si surasul reapare cald si-nflorïtor.....