Greece, a country celebrated for its rich cultural heritage, has also given the world an array of mesmerizing music. Greek songs are known for their emotional depth, cultural references, and unique melodies. For language learners, understanding these songs can offer a window into Greek culture, history, and everyday life. In this article, we will explore some famous Greek songs and delve into their lyrics, providing explanations to help you appreciate and understand them better. Whether you are a novice in Greek or an advanced learner, these songs will enrich your learning experience.
1. “Mia Zoi Tin Echoume” by Dimitris Mitropanos
Lyrics:
Mia zoi tin echoume
ki an den tin glyfoyme
ti tha katalavoume
ti tha katalavoume.
Translation:
We have one life
and if we don’t enjoy it
what will we understand
what will we understand.
Explanation:
This song by Dimitris Mitropanos is a classic example of Greek laiko music, which blends traditional and modern sounds. The lyrics emphasize the fleeting nature of life and the importance of savoring every moment. The phrase “mia zoi” (one life) is a recurring theme in Greek music and culture, reflecting a carpe diem attitude. The verb “glyfo” means “to enjoy” or “to savor,” highlighting the importance of taking pleasure in life’s simple moments. This song can teach learners about Greek philosophical views on life and enjoyment.
Key Vocabulary:
– zoi (ζωή) – life
– echoume (έχουμε) – we have
– glyfoyme (γλυφούμε) – we enjoy
– katalavoume (καταλάβουμε) – we understand
2. “To Treno Fevgi Stis Okto” by Mikis Theodorakis
Lyrics:
To treno fevgi stis okto
apo tin Palio Kalamata
ki ego xechno mia zoi
pou m’ exei plikosei.
Translation:
The train leaves at eight
from Old Kalamata
and I forget a life
that has wounded me.
Explanation:
Mikis Theodorakis, one of Greece’s most renowned composers, penned this melancholic song. The song talks about leaving behind a painful past and moving forward. “To treno” (the train) is often used in Greek songs as a metaphor for journey and change. “Palio Kalamata” refers to a place, adding a touch of nostalgia and specificity to the lyrics. The verb “plikosei” (to wound) conveys a deep emotional hurt, reflecting the sentiment of moving on from past sorrows.
Key Vocabulary:
– treno (τρένο) – train
– fevgi (φεύγει) – leaves
– okto (οκτώ) – eight
– kalamata (Καλαμάτα) – Kalamata (a place)
– xechnó (ξεχνώ) – I forget
– plikosei (πληγώσει) – to wound
3. “Ta Pedia Tou Pirea” by Melina Mercouri
Lyrics:
Ena garifallo, panou sto afti
ki o kaïkas mas, piraiotiko
na ‘tan to 21, na ‘tan to 22
na ‘tan to 23, to 23.
Translation:
A carnation, on the ear
and our little boat, from Piraeus
if it were 21, if it were 22
if it were 23, 23.
Explanation:
“Ta Pedia Tou Pirea” (The Children of Piraeus) is a famous song from the movie “Never on Sunday,” sung by Melina Mercouri. It captures the essence of Piraeus, the port city of Athens, known for its vibrant atmosphere. The song is filled with cultural references, such as “garifallo” (carnation), a flower often associated with Greek celebrations and symbols. The repetition of years (21, 22, 23) conveys a sense of timelessness and continuity, celebrating the enduring spirit of the people of Piraeus.
Key Vocabulary:
– garifallo (γαρίφαλο) – carnation
– afti (αυτί) – ear
– kaïkas (καΐκας) – small boat
– piraiotiko (πειραιώτικο) – from Piraeus
4. “Apres Toi” by Vicky Leandros
Lyrics:
Apres toi, je ne serai plus la même
Apres toi, je serais seulement une ombre de la nuit
Apres toi, je ne serai plus qu’une ombre de ton ombre
Apres toi.
Translation:
After you, I will no longer be the same
After you, I will only be a shadow in the night
After you, I will only be a shadow of your shadow
After you.
Explanation:
Although this song is in French, Vicky Leandros, the Greek singer, won the Eurovision Song Contest with it in 1972. The song’s deep emotional resonance and poetic lyrics made it famous worldwide. The phrase “apres toi” (after you) underscores the transformative impact of a loved one on one’s life. Even though it is not in Greek, the song’s popularity in Greece makes it an integral part of Greek musical culture. The repetition and simplicity of the lyrics make it a good piece for learners to practice their listening skills and understand the emotional depth conveyed through music.
Key Vocabulary:
– apres (après) – after
– ombre (ombre) – shadow
– nuit (nuit) – night
– même (même) – same
5. “S’agapo Giati Eisai Orea” by Stelios Kazantzidis
Lyrics:
S’agapo giati eisai orea
S’agapo giati eisai esi
S’agapo giati m’aresi
na sagapo.
Translation:
I love you because you are beautiful
I love you because you are you
I love you because I like
to love you.
Explanation:
This love song by Stelios Kazantzidis is a staple in Greek music. The simplicity and repetition in the lyrics make it easy for learners to follow and understand. “S’agapo” (I love you) is a fundamental phrase in Greek, and the song’s structure helps reinforce this expression of affection. The song celebrates love in its purest form, highlighting beauty and individuality. The verb “aresi” (like) is also useful for learners, as it is commonly used in everyday conversation.
Key Vocabulary:
– s’agapo (σ’αγαπώ) – I love you
– orea (ωραία) – beautiful
– esi (εσύ) – you
– aresi (αρέσει) – like
6. “Dio Portes Echi I Zoi” by Stelios Kazantzidis
Lyrics:
Dio portes echi i zoi
anoigo mia kai mpo
stin alli san tha vgo
den tha xanartho pia.
Translation:
Life has two doors
I open one and enter
when I exit the other
I will not return again.
Explanation:
This philosophical song by Stelios Kazantzidis uses the metaphor of doors to explore the concepts of life and death. “Dio portes” (two doors) symbolizes the beginning and end of life. The song’s contemplative nature encourages listeners to think about the transient nature of existence. The verbs “anoigo” (open) and “vgo” (exit) are essential for learners, as they are commonly used in various contexts. The song’s reflective tone and profound lyrics make it a valuable piece for understanding Greek views on life and mortality.
Key Vocabulary:
– portes (πόρτες) – doors
– zoi (ζωή) – life
– anoigo (ανοίγω) – open
– vgo (βγω) – exit
7. “Pame Gi’ Alla” by Eleftheria Arvanitaki
Lyrics:
Pame gi’ alla
ki as min gyrisoume pisso
Pame gi’ alla
giati ola edo einai krimena.
Translation:
Let’s go for something else
and let’s not look back
Let’s go for something else
because everything here is hidden.
Explanation:
Eleftheria Arvanitaki’s song “Pame Gi’ Alla” encourages moving forward and exploring new possibilities. The phrase “pame gi’ alla” (let’s go for something else) is a call for change and new experiences. The verb “gyrisoume” (look back) and “krimena” (hidden) are useful for learners, as they can be applied in various contexts. The song’s optimistic and forward-looking message makes it an inspiring piece for those seeking motivation and a fresh perspective.
Key Vocabulary:
– pame (πάμε) – let’s go
– alla (άλλα) – something else
– gyrisoume (γυρίσουμε) – look back
– krimena (κρυμμένα) – hidden
8. “Lianotragouda” by Manos Hadjidakis
Lyrics:
Lianotragouda tis Pikris Patridas
psila sta ourania
tragoudia agapimena.
Translation:
Sweet songs of the Bitter Homeland
high in the sky
beloved songs.
Explanation:
Manos Hadjidakis, another iconic Greek composer, created “Lianotragouda” to evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing for one’s homeland. The term “lianotragouda” (sweet songs) contrasts with “pikris patridas” (bitter homeland), reflecting the complex emotions of love and sorrow associated with one’s country. The song’s poetic language and emotional depth offer learners an opportunity to explore advanced vocabulary and literary devices in Greek music.
Key Vocabulary:
– lianotragouda (λιανοτράγουδα) – sweet songs
– pikris (πικρής) – bitter
– patridas (πατρίδας) – homeland
– ourania (ουράνια) – sky
Conclusion
Greek music is a treasure trove of cultural and linguistic insights. By exploring these famous Greek songs and understanding their lyrics, language learners can gain a deeper appreciation of Greek culture and improve their language skills. These songs offer a blend of simple and complex vocabulary, emotional depth, and cultural references that are invaluable for anyone learning Greek. So, the next time you listen to Greek music, take a moment to reflect on the lyrics and let the beauty of the language enhance your learning journey.
