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 "Hamopoulia" (Χαμοπούλια), which was sung by Dimitris Basis. 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

This song, "Hamopoulia", contains influences of Greek Byzantine music, which is a very distinctive musical style dating from many centuries ago. It's the same flair as old Ottomam music which is technically Greek. This song creates a very effective fusion between traditional deep roots and 21st century tastes. The original artist, Dimitris Basis, grew up with classical training in performing Byzantine music, which brings a certain depth to his interpretation of this song.

About Dimitris Basis

Dimitris Basis was the original artist for this song, and it appeared on his first album in 1997.

Although Basis was born in Germany, his family moved to a small town near the border of Greece and Macedonia when he was a child. His singing abilities were recognized at a young age — he began to chant the liturgy in his church at the age of 9, and he began to study Byzantine music at age 12. He recorded his first album in 1997, Me Ti Fora Tou Anemou. Basis continued with a career of live performances and additional albums, and collaborated on projects with many top Greek musicians.

About Glykeria

Glykeria Kotsoula is the sweetheart of Greece and one of the greatest legends of our time. She was born in 1953 in Serres, Greece. Her musical style is modern laika (rebetika & folk), while still always paying tribute to the great Rebetes of the past.

Panayiota, the translator of this song, offers this personal perspective on what Glykeria's music means to her:

Glykeria's music always has and always will inspire me both on and off the stage. I admire her simplicity and humbleness despite her fame and success. While most kids were learning standard lullabies, my mother would sing all her songs to me, since I was a baby. My mother Evangelia is a huge fan and loves singing her songs. On family road trips, my mother played all her tapes over and over again. Those cassette tapes are what made me fall in love with Laika/Rebetika style music at the age of ten. Thank you Glykeria, thank you Mama! Enjoy!

Most of Glykeria's records have gone platinum. She has gained fame and respect through out the world. Glykeria collaborates with many notable international musicians, including the Turkish living legend, Omar Farouk Tekbilek.

Song: Hamopoulia (Sparrows), 1997

Lyrics: Hristos G. Papadopoulos

Music: Kostas Falkonis

Bouzouki: Nikos Nikolopoulos

Original Artist: Dimitris Basis

Has Also Been Recorded By:

• Glykeria
• Thanasis Lymberis, 2019

Dance Style: Belly dancing

Album: Me Ti Fora Tou Anemou (Like the Way the Wind Blows)

Τραγούδι: Χαμοπούλια, 1997

Στίχοι: Χρίστος Γ. Παπαδόπουλος

Μουσική: Κώστας Φαλκώνης

Μπουζούκι: Νίκος Νικολόπουλος

Πρώτη Εκτέλεση: Δημήτρης Μπάσης
Γλυκερία

Άλμπουμ: Με Τι Φορά Του Ανέμου