PHOTO CREDIT: Above photo by John Rickman Photography, San Jose, California.

This page contains a translation into English of the lyrics to the popular Greek song "Den Se Xehno" (Δε' Σε Ξεχνώ), which was sung by Stamatis Gonidis. Also included is a pronunciation guide for the Greek lyrics so you can sing along if you like.

Song lyrics are provided for educational purposes. If you like the song, please purchase either the album or a download from an authorized source.

About this Song

Those of us from regions that speak Greek, Arabic, and Turkish have exchanged countless songs with each other through licensing the music and creating lyrics in our own languages. These include both current pop music and classics. The song translated on this page is an example of one – it originally appeared in Egypt as "Kan Andak Haq", sung by Amr Diab.

ABOUT THE PHOTO: The photo shows Amr Diab, the original Egyptian artist who popularized "Kan Andak Haq".

The song was first released in 1993 by the renowned Egyptian singer, Amr Diab (Αμρ Ντίαμπ). Its Arabic lyrics were written by Medhat el Adl (Mεντχατ ελ Αντλ) and the music was composed by Riad al Hamshari (Ριαντ αλ Χαμσαρι).

I recommend this song for belly dancers who are accustomed to Egyptian music, and want to perform for Greeks. In fact, any song that you are able to find in both Greek/Arabic or Greek/Turkish will always be hit for the crowd and most importantly you. Why for you? It is the easiest way to transition into dancing for Greeks, by using songs that you already know and love. We have countless shared music, so you won't have a problem.

About Stamatis Gonidis

The Greek lyricist and singer for this song was Stamatis Gonidis. He grew up on the Greek island of Kythnos, and decided to become a sailor when he grew up. In his free time, he wrote songs and sang for his colleagues. His friends enjoyed his music, and encouraged him to launch his career as a professional singer.

Song: Den Se Xehno (I Don't Forget You), 1998

Greek Lyrics: Stamatis Gonidis

Music: Riad Al Hamshari

Original Artist for Greek Version: Stamatis Gonidis

Dance Style: Belly dancing

Album: Mi' Fiyis Sou Leo (Don't Leave Im Telling You)

Τραγούδι: Δε' Σε Ξεχνώ, 1998

Στίχοι: Σταμάτης Γονίδης

Μουσική: Ριαντ Αλ Χαμσρι

Πρώτη Εκτέλεση: Σταμάτης Γονίδης

Άλμπουμ: Μη' Φύγεις Σου Λέω

This page was contributed by Panayiota Bakis, who is happy to share her culture and music she grew up with! Here's how Panayiota describes her background:

I always love engaging with intelligent like-minded people, especially artists. I love sharing anything and everything about my Hellenic culture and upbringing, especially music and dance. A conversation with me will bring you back to America's favorite Greek-American movie by Nia Vardalos called My Big Fat Greek Wedding.

I love investigating Greek culture, history, music, and dance. Speaking of investigating, I think I missed my calling, I probably should have been an investigator. Instead, I use those skills to dig and dig and dig tirelessly, often times falling asleep on my laptop... just to find the truth. But, most importantly, accurate truth. For me personally, and other respectable folklorists, my culture and accuracy are very important. Each generation of ethnic born artists has a duty to do the best it can to pass down our traditions as was taught to us. We have been given this artistic gift to be the gatekeepers of our heritage and culture.