Lau Teilatu (Four Rooftops) is a very popular song in the Basque Country, even more than 40 years after it was first released.
The romantic song was written and released by the group Itoiz in 1978. The group’s members were from the towns of Mutriku and Ondarroa, in Gipuzkoa. They played together for about 10 years, from 1978 to 1988. Since they published the song, many singers and groups have recorded their own versions. In the 2000s, it was voted by the public as the best Basque song of all time.
For those who want to learn to play the song on the guitar, this video is a good lesson in Spanish, which can also be followed by non-Spanish speakers.
Buy the digital version of Itoiz’ “Lau Teilatu” from Amazon for only $0.99 by clicking here.
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Maite Zaitut
In this video it is sung by Amaia Montero, the lead singer for many years of the Donosti group La Oreja de Van Gogh, and Venezuelan Basque singer Mikel Erentxun. Buy their version from Amazon here.
This video is the original version sung by Itoiz. Youtuber Gabi de la Maza’s version includes the words, if you want to sing along.
Four roofs (Lau teilatu)
Hemen gaude
Ta poztutzen naiz
Ta ziur zure aita ere bai;
Ta zer ondo… zelan dijua
Zure bufanda txuria.
Lau teilatu gainian
Ilargia erdian, eta zu
Goruntz begira,
Zure keia eskuetan
Putzada batekin… putz!
Neregana etorriko da
Ta berriz izango gara
Zoriontsu
Edozein herriko jaixetan.
Goxo goxo kanta egin nazu
Benitoren Maria Solt
Negarrik ez,
Txuri zaude ta malkoak
Zure kolorea kentzen dute.
Lau teilatu gainian…
Felix, felix bihar
Berriz egongo gara
Txanpain apur batekin;
Diru gabe baina
Izarrak gurekin daude,
Piano baten soinuaz.
Lau teilatu gainian…
Here we are
and I’m glad about that
and I’m sure that your father is too
It is wonderful…
how is your white scarf?
Over four roofs
the moon in the middle
and you…
looking up
with a gesture with your hands
will come towards me
with a sigh
And we will be happy again
in the festivals of some village
Sing to me, sweetly
Benito’s song “Maria Solt”
Don’t cry
your face is pale and the tears
take your color away
Over four roofs…
With joy, tomorrow
we’ll be back again
with a little bit of champagne
we’ll have no money, but
the stars are with us
along with the music of a piano
The song makes a reference to traditional singer Benito Lertxundi’s song “Maria Solt.” Here is Benito singing that song.
