|
Μισιρλού
|
This page contains a translation into English of the lyrics to the popular Greek rebetiko song "Misirlou" (Μισιρλού). The lyrics tell of forbidden love between a Greek (Christian) man and an Egyptian (Muslim) woman. The differences between the lovers in both race/ethnicity and religion make the story risqué by the standards of its time. The title is a Greek pronunciation of the Turkish word "Mısırlı", which means "Egyptian girl" in Turkish. Also included is a transliteration of the Greek lyrics into the Roman alphabet so you can sing along if you like. Over the years that followed, many versions of the song have arisen, including Dick Dale's surfer guitar version, Jewish klezmer, Turkish, English lyrics, and more. In the United States, many tsifteteli performers (belly dancers) incorporate this song into their routines, often using a large scarf (sometimes called a veil) as a prop. For more information about the laiko and rebetiko styles of music, see Introduction to Laiko / Rebetiko Music elsewhere on this web site. 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 Theodotos (Tetos) DemetriadesTheodotos Demetriades, nicknamed Tetos, was a rebetiko singer, the original artist to record "Misirlou", which he did in 1927. ABOUT THE PHOTO: This photo is of Tetos Demetriades. It's unclear exactly when he was born. Estimates range from 1897 to 1901. He was born in Constantinople (the Greek name for Istanbul). He moved to the United States in 1921, which is where he was living at the time he recorded "Misirlou." He died in New Jersey in 1971 from throat cancer. |
 |
Nicholas (Nikos) RoubanisNicholas (Nikos) Roubanis was born in 1880. At age 25, he went to Egypt to work as a music conductor, in the service of its king. In 1925, he relocated to the U.S. and became a professor at Columbia University in New York. Roubanis also composed liturgical music for the Greek Orthodox church in America. In 1965, he retired to Greece, where he died three years later. ABOUT THE PHOTO: This photo shows Nicholas Roubanis. |
 |
About Michalis (Mike) PatrinosMike Patrinos, a rebetiko singer, was originally from Smyrna (the former name of Izmir, Turkey). He sang his version of Misirlou in the accent of that area, so that it sounds like "Mousourlou". He recorded his version of Misirlou in Athens, Greece in 1930. Although he was a popular, accomplished musician, Patrinos was also a famous actor in Karagiozi, which is Greek shadow theater. He worked under the name of stage name of Dino Theodoropoulou, and this is the legacy that Greeks remember him for. ABOUT THE PHOTO: This photo shows Michalis Patrinos as a young man. |
 |
Song: Misirlou (Egyptian Girl), 1927 Lyrics: Nicholas (Nikos) Roubanis Music: Nicholas (Nikos) Roubanis Original Artist: Theodotos (Tetos) Demetriades, also recorded follow-on versions in 1941 and 1946 Has Also Been Sung By:
|
Τραγούδι: Μισιρλού, 1927 Στίχοι: Νικόλαος (Νίκος) Ρουμπάνης Μουσική: Νικόλαος (Νίκος) Ρουμπάνης εκτέλεση: Θεόδοτος Δημητριάδης Άλλοι Ερμηνευτές:
|
Listen to MP3 Clips of This Song
 |
Sung in Greek by Tetos Dimitriadis (the original artist) |
|
Surf guitar instrumental by Dick Dale and the Del-Tones |
|
Sung in English by Harry Saroyan (in English) |
|
Sung by Sandler & Young |
|
Oud instrumental by Pangia |
Lyrics
This song has been recorded by many artists over the years, with some minor variations in verses, repetitions of verse or chorus, etc. Translations for several of the Greek verses appear below.
- Theodotos (Tetos) Demetriades, 1927
- Michalis (Mike) Patrinos, 1930
- Danai Stratigopoulou, 1930 version
- Maria Karela with Spiros Stamos Orchestra, 1941
- Sofia Vembo, 1947
- Manolis Aggelopoulos, 1976
- Glykeria Kotsoula, 1998
- Maryo Maria Konstantinidou-Stamatiou
Theodotos (Tetos) Demetriades, 1927
Numbers in parentheses refer to footnotes that appear at the bottom of the translation.
Greek Lyrics |
Pronunciation |
English Translation |
| Μισιρλού μου η γλυκιά σου η ματιά | Misirlou mou ee glikia sou ee matia | My Egyptian girl, your sweet gaze |
| φλόγα μ’ έχει ανάψει μέσ' στην καρδιά | floga m’ ehi anapsi mes’ stin kardia | lit a flame in my heart |
| Αχ, για χαμπίμπι, αχ, για λελέλι αχ | ah, ya habibi, ah ya leleli ah | oh my love (1), oh leleli (2) |
| τα δυό σου χείλη στάζουνε μέλι αμάν | ta dio sou hili stazoune meli aman | your two lips are dripping honey, oh my (3) |
| αμάν Μισιρλού | aman Misirlou | Oh my, Egyptian girl! |
| τρέλα θα μ’ έρθη, δεν υποφέρω πιά | trela tha m’ erthi, den ipofero pia | Craziness will come to me, I can't suffer any more! |
| Αχ θα σε κλέψω μέσα απ΄την Αραπιά | ah tha se klepso mesa ap’ tin Arapia | Oh, I will kidnap you from inside Arabia! (4) |
| αμάν Μισιρλού | aman Misirlou | Oh my, Egyptian girl! |
| τρέλα θα μ’ έρθη, δεν υποφέρω πιά | trela tha m’ erthi, den ipofero pia | Craziness will come to me, I can't suffer any more! |
| Αχ θα σε κλέψω μέσα απ΄την Αραπιά | ah tha se klepso mesa ap’ tin Arapia | Oh, I will kidnap you from inside Arabia! |
| Μαυρομάτα Μισιρλού μου τρελή | mavromata Misirlou mou treli | My crazy black-eyed Egyptian |
| Τι ζωή μου αλλάζω μ' ένα φιλί | ti zoi mou allazo m’ ena fili | my life I change with one kiss |
| Αχ Για χαμπίμπι μ' ένα φιλάκι αχ | ah ya habibi m’ ena filaki ah | Oh my love, with one kiss, oh, |
| απ' το δικό σου το στοματάκι, αμάν | ap’ to diko sou to stomataki, aman | from your mouth, oh my! |
| αμάν Μισιρλού | aman Misirlou | Oh my, Egyptian girl! |
| τρέλα θα μ’ έρθη, δεν υποφέρω πιά | trela tha m’ erthi, den ipofero pia | Craziness will come to me, I can't suffer any more! |
| Αχ θα σε κλέψω μέσα απ΄την Αραπιά | ah tha se klepso mesa ap’ tin Arapia | Oh, I will kidnap you from inside Arabia! |
| αμάν Μισιρλού | aman Misirlou | Oh my, Egyptian girl! |
| τρέλα θα μ’ έρθη, δεν υποφέρω πιά | trela tha m’ erthi, den ipofero pia | Craziness will come to me, I can't suffer any more! |
| Αχ θα σε κλέψω μέσα απ΄την Αραπιά | ah tha se klepso mesa ap’ tin Arapia | Oh, I will kidnap you from inside Arabia! |
| αμάν Μισιρλού | aman Misirlou | Oh my, Egyptian girl! |
- "Ya habibi" is an Arabic expression for "oh my love" or “oh my darling”.
- In Arabic, "leleli" is derived from the word "leil" for "night", but Arabic-speaking singers often improvise using the syllables "leleli" in the same way an English song might use syllables such as "tra la la".
- “Aman” is an exclamation that can mean “Oh!” or "Oh my!"
- Many of the old songs use the word "Arapia" and its variants liberally. The lyrics generally use it to refer to Arabic-speaking or Indian women. Unfortunately, in the modern Greek language, the term "Arapis" has become an offensive racial slur for people with dark skin. Although this newer definition now exists, it did not mean this when the lyrics were written. When newer generations listen to these older songs today, they realize the lyrics are referring to an innocent use of the word, and can enjoy the music in the way it was intended.
Michalis (Mike) Patrinos' Version, "Mousourlou", 1930
Numbers in parentheses refer to footnotes that appear at the bottom of the translation. This version is sung with an accent from Smyrna (where modern-day Izmir, Turkey is), so the pronunciation guide below shows how it's pronounced in this version. People often refer to Patrinos' version under the title "Mousourlou" because of the Smyrna accent.
Greek Lyrics |
Pronunciation |
English Translation |
| Μουσουρλού μου η γλυκιά σου η ματιά | Mousourlou mou ee glikia sou ee matia | My Egyptian girl, your sweet gaze! |
| φλόγα μ' άναψε μικράκι μου, φωτιά | floga m’ anapse mikraki mou, fotia | A flame you lit my young one, a fire! |
| Άιντε, για χαμπίμπι, άιντε για λελέλι ωωω | aide, ya habibi, aide ya leleli oh | Come on, my love (1), come on leleli (2), oh |
| άιντε, να σε κλέψω μέσα από την Αραπιά | aide, na se klepso mesa apo tin Arapia | Come on, I will kidnap you from within Arabia! (3) |
| Ωωωωωω, Μουσουρλού | Ohhhhh Mousourlou | Ohhhhh Egyptian girl! |
| Τρέλα θα μου 'ρθει, δεν υποφέρω πια | trela tha mou ‘rthi, den ipofero pia | Craziness will come to me, I can’t suffer any more! |
| άιντε αν δεν σε πάρω, πω πω, θα τρελαθώ | aide an den se paro, po po, tha trelatho | Come on, if I don’t come take you, oh oh, I will go crazy! |
| Μουσουρλού μου η γλυκιά σου η ματιά | Mousourlou mou ee glikia sou ee matia | My Egyptian girl, your sweet gaze! |
| φλόγα μ' άναψε, μες στην καρδιά | floga m’ anapse, mes stin kardia | A flame you lit, in my heart! |
| Άιντε, για χαμπίμπι, άιντε για λελέλι ωωω | aide, ya habibi, aide ya leleli oh | Come on, oh my love, come on leleli, oh! |
| μέλι στάζει’ν από τα χείλη, ωχ | meli stazi’n apo ta hili, oh | Honey is dripping from lips, oh! |
| Ωωωωωω, Μουσουρλού | Ohhhhh Mousourlou | Ohhhhh Egyptian girl! |
| Αν δεν σε πάρω, φως μου, θα τρελαθώ | an den se paro, fos mou, tha trelatho | If I don’t take you, my light, I will go crazy! |
| άιντε, να σε κλέψω μέσα από την Αραπιά | aide, na se klepso mesa apo tin Arapia | Come on, I will kidnap you from within Arabia! |
| Μουσουρλού μου η γλυκιά σου η ματιά | Mousourlou mou ee glikia sou ee matia | My Egyptian girl, your sweet gaze! |
| φλόγα μ' άναψε στο στόμα μου, φωτιά | floga m’ anapse sto stoma mou, fotia | a flame you lit in my mouth, a fire |
| Άιντε, για χαμπίμπι, άιντε για λελέλι ωωω | aide, ya habibi, aide ya leleli oh | Come on, my love, come on leleli, oh |
| άιντε αν δεν σε πάρω, πω πω, θα τρελαθώ | ah an den se paro, po po, tha trelatho | Come on, if I don’t come take you, oh oh, I will go crazy! |
| Ωωωωωω, Μουσουρλού | Ohhhhh Mousourlou | Ohhhhh Egyptian girl! |
- "Ya habibi" is an Arabic expression for "oh my love" or “oh my darling”.
- In Arabic, "leleli" is derived from the word "leil" for "night", but Arabic-speaking singers often improvise using the syllables "leleli" in the same way an English song might use nonsense syllables such as "tra la la".
- Many of the old songs use the word "Arapia" and its variants liberally. The lyrics generally use it to refer to Arabic-speaking or Indian women. Unfortunately, in the modern Greek language, the term "Arapis" has become an offensive racial slur for people with dark skin. Although this newer definition now exists, it did not mean this when the lyrics were written. When newer generations listen to these older songs today, they realize the lyrics are referring to an innocent use of the word, and can enjoy the music in the way it was intended.
Danai Stratigopoulou, 1930 Version
Numbers in parentheses refer to footnotes that appear at the bottom of the translation.
Greek Lyrics |
Pronunciation |
English Translation |
| Μισιρλού μου η γλυκιά σου η ματιά | Misourlou mou ee glikia sou ee matia | My Egyptian girl, your sweet gaze |
| φλόγα μου έχει ανάψει μέ’ στην καρδιά | floga mou ehi anapsi me’ stin kardia | you lit a flame in my heart. |
| Αχ, για χαμπίμπι, αχ, για λελέλι αχ | ah, ya habibi, ah ya leleli ah | oh my love (1), oh leleli (2) |
| τα δυό σου χείλη στάζουνε μέλι αχ | ta dio sou hili stazoune meli ah | your two lips are dripping honey, oh! |
| Αχ Μισιρλού μαγική ξωτική ομορφιά | ah Misirlou mayiki xotiki omorfia | Oh my Egyptian magical, exotic beauty |
| τρέλλα θα μου έρθη, δεν υποφέρω πιά | trella tha mou erthi, den ipofero pia | craziness will come to me, I can't suffer anymore |
| Αχ θα σε κλέψω μέσα απ' την Αραπιά | ax tha se klepso mesa ap’ tin Arapia | oh I will kidnap you from inside Arabia (3) |
Instrumental Solo |
Instrumental Solo |
Instrumental Solo |
| Μαυρομάτα Μισιρλού μου τρελλή | Mavromata Misirlou mou treli | My crazy, black-eyed Egyptian, |
| η ζωή μου αλλάζει μ' ένα φιλί | ee zoi mou allazi m’ ena fili | my life is changed with one kiss. |
| Αχ Για χαμπίμπι μ' ένα φιλάκι αχ | Ah ya habibi m’ ena filaki ah | Oh, my love, with one kiss, oh! |
| απ' το δικό σου το στοματάκι αχ | ap’to diko sou to stomataki ah | From your mouth, oh! |
| Αχ Μισιρλού μαγική ξωτική ομορφιά | ah Misirlou mayiki xotiki omorfia | Oh my Egyptian magical, exotic beauty |
| τρέλλα θα μου έρθη, δεν υποφέρω πιά | trella tha mou erthi, den ipofero pia | craziness will come to me, I can't suffer anymore |
| Αχ θα σε κλέψω μέσ' απ' την Αραπιά | ax tha se klepso mesa ap’ tin Arapia | oh I will kidnap you from inside Arabia (3) |
| Αχ Μισιρλού μαγική ξωτική ομορφιά | ah Misirlou mayiki xotiki omorfia | Ah, my Egyptian magical, exotic beauty! |
- "Ya habibi" is an Arabic expression for "oh my love" or “oh my darling”.
- In Arabic, "leleli" is derived from the word "leil" for "night", but Arabic-speaking singers often improvise using the syllables "leleli" in the same way an English song might use nonsense syllables such as "tra la la".
- Many of the old songs use the word "Arapia" and its variants liberally. The lyrics generally use it to refer to Arabic-speaking or Indian women. Unfortunately, in the modern Greek language, the term "Arapis" has become an offensive racial slur for people with dark skin. Although this newer definition now exists, it did not mean this when the lyrics were written. When newer generations listen to these older songs today, they realize the lyrics are referring to an innocent use of the word, and can enjoy the music in the way it was intended.
Maria Karela's Version, 1941
Maria Karela recorded her version with the Spiros Stamos Orchestra.
Numbers in parentheses refer to footnotes that appear at the bottom of the translation.
Greek Lyrics |
Pronunciation |
English Translation |
| Μισιρλού μου η γλυκειά σου η ματιά | Misirlou mou ee glikia sou ee matia | My Egyptian girl, your sweet gaze! |
| φλόγα μ' έχει ανάψει μέσα στην καρδιά | floga m’ ehi anapsi mesa stin kardia | You lit a flame in my heart. |
| Αχ, για χαμπίμπι, αχ, για λελιλελι αχ | ah, ya habibi, ah ya lelileli ah | Ah my love (1), ah lelileli ah(2), |
| τα δυό σου χείλη στάζουνε μέλι ωϊμέ | ta dio sou hili stazoune meli oime | your two lips are dripping honey, oh my! (3) |
| Μαυρομάτα Μισιρλού μου τρελλή | mavromata Misirlou mou treli | My crazy black eyed Egyptian, |
| η ζωή μου αλλάζει μ' σου φιλί | ee zoi mou allazi m’ ena sou fili | my life is changed with your kiss |
| Αχ, για χαμπίμπι, αχ, για λελιλελι αχ | ah ya habibi ah ya lelileli ah | ah, oh my love ah, oh, lelileli ah, |
| απ' το δικό σου το στοματάκι ωϊμέ | ap’to diko sou to stomataki oime | from your mouth, oh my! |
| Ααααααχχχχ, λωωωω, Μισιρλού | Aaaaahhhhh, looooo, Misirlou | Aaaaahhhhh, my Egyptian girl! |
| τρέλα θα μ’ έρθη, δεν υποφέρω πιά | trela tha m’ erthi, den ipofero pia | Craziness will come to me, I can't suffer any more! |
| Αχ θα σε κλέψω απο την Αραπιά | ah tha se klepso apo tin Arapia | Oh, I will kidnap you from inside Arabia! |
| Ααααααχχχχ, ωωωω, Μισιρλού | Aaaaahhhhh, ooooo, Misirlou | Aaaaahhhhh, my Egyptian girl! |
| τρέλα θα μ’ έρθη, δεν υποφέρω πιά | trela tha m’ erthi, den ipofero pia | Craziness will come to me, I can't suffer any more! |
| Αχ θα σε κλέψω απο την Αραπιά | ah tha se klepso apo tin Arapia | Oh, I will kidnap you from inside Arabia! |
| Ααααααχχχχ, αααααχχχχ, Μισιρλού | Aaaaahhhhh, aaaahhhhh, Misirlou | Aaaaahhhhh, aaaahhhhh, my Egyptian girl! |
- "Ya habibi" is an Arabic expression for "oh my love" or “oh my darling”
- In Arabic, "lelileli" is derived from the word "leil" for "night", but Arabic-speaking singers often improvise using the syllables "lelileli" in the same way an English song might use syllables such as "tra la la".
- "Oime" is an ancient Greek word of expression, similar to "Oh my!"
Sofia Vembo's Version, 1947
Sofia Vembo (real name Sofia Bebou), was a legendary singer and actress who became known by the nicknames “Singer of Victory” and "Efi". Pol Nor, whose real name was Nikos Nikolaidis, gave her the stage name of Sofia Vembo. Vembo was born in the Anatolian region (in modern-day Turkey) of Thraki on February 10, 1910. She was one of four children. They were raised in Constantinople, but quickly quickly became refugees when the Greeks fled Turkey. The family arrived in Greece and eventually settled in Volos. ABOUT THE PHOTO: This photo of Sofia Vembo with her beloved guitar was her very first promotional photo. It was advertising her appearance at the Kentrikon Theater, where she dressed as a Romany girl and debuted the song "Tsigana Mavromata" (Black-Eyed Roma) in 1933. Vembo went on to perform as a singer and actress throughout Greece. She was considered the voice of war music in the 1940s, and became highly respected for her monetary donations to the Hellenic Army, which is how she acquired the nickname "Singer of Victory". Her career continued through the “metapolemika” post-war music era of the 1950s. Numbers in parentheses refer to footnotes that appear at the bottom of the translation. |
 |
Greek Lyrics |
Pronunciation |
English Translation |
| Μισιρλού μου η γλυκιά σου ματιά | Misirlou mou ee glikia sou matia | My Egyptian girl, your sweet gaze |
| φλόγα μ' έχει ανάψει μέσ' την καρδιά | floga m’ ehi anapsi mes’ tin kardia | you lit a flame in my heart! |
| Αχ, για χαμπίμπι, αχ, για λελέλι αχ | ah, ya habibi, ah ya leleli ah | Oh my love (1), oh leleli (2), |
| τα δυό σου χείλη στάζουνε μέλι ωϊμέ | ta dio sou hili stazoune meli oime | your two lips are dripping honey, oh my! (3) |
| Μαυρομάτα Μισιρλού μου τρελή | mavromata Misirlou mou treli | My crazy black-eyed Egyptian |
| τι ζωή μου αλλάζω μ' ένα φιλί | tee zoi mou allazo m’ ena fili | my life is changed with one kiss. |
| Αχ Για χαμπίμπι μ' ένα φιλάκι αχ | ah ya habibi m’ ena filaki ah | Oh my love, with one kiss. oh, |
| απ' το δικό σου το στοματάκι ωϊμέ | ap’to diko sou to stomataki oime | from your mouth, oh my! |
| Αααααααααχχχχχχχ Μισιρλού | aaaaahhhhh Misirlou | aaaaahhhhh my Egyptian girl |
| τρέλλα θα μ' ούρθη, δεν υποφέρω πιά | trella tha m’ ourthi, den ipofero pia | craziness will come to me, I can’t suffer any more |
| Αχ θα σε κλέψω μέσ' απ' την Αραπιά | ah tha se klepso mes ap tin Arapia | oh, I will kidnap you from inside Arabia (4) |
Instrumental Solo |
Instrumental Solo |
Instrumental Solo |
| Αααααααααχχχχχχχ Μισιρλού | aaaaahhhhh Misirlou | aaaaahhhhh, Egyptian girl |
- "Ya habibi" is an Arabic expression for "oh my love" or “oh my darling”
- In Arabic, "leleli" is derived from the word "leil" for "night", but Arabic-speaking singers often improvise using the syllables "leleli" in the same way an English song might use nonsense syllables such as "tra la la".
- "Oime" is an ancient Greek word of expression, similar to "Oh my!"
- Many of the old songs use the word "Arapia" and its variants liberally. The lyrics generally use it to refer to Arabic-speaking or Indian women. Unfortunately, in the modern Greek language, the term "Arapis" has become an offensive racial slur for people with dark skin. Although this newer definition now exists, it did not mean this when the lyrics were written. When newer generations listen to these older songs today, they realize the lyrics are referring to an innocent use of the word, and can enjoy the music in the way it was intended.
Manolis Aggelopoulos' Version, 1976
Manolis Aggelopoulos was a Greek legend. He was born in 1939 in northern Greece, to a Romany family. As a child, he traveled throughout Greece with his family's caravan selling everything from carpets to watermelons. The caravan trucks contained a microphone, so young Aggelopoulos broadcast his singing over the loudspeakers along the way. His big break came in 1959 when he recorded his first 45 rpm vinyl record, bringing the mix of Greek-Gypsy-Arabic fusion into the Greek music scene. For Greeks and Greek-Romany people he was a superstar. His funeral in 1989 was massive, and people cried for 3 days. Numbers in parentheses refer to footnotes that appear at the bottom of the translation. |
 |
Greek Lyrics |
Pronunciation |
English Translation |
| Μισιρλού μου η γλυκειά σου η ματιά | Misirlou mou ee glikia sou ee matia | My Egyptian girl, your sweet gaze, |
| φλόγα μου ‘χει ανάψει μέ’ στην καρδιά | floga m’ ehi anapsi mes’ tin kardia | you lit a flame in my heart! |
| Αχ, για χαμπίμπι, αχ, για λελέλι αχ | ah, ya habibi, ah ya leleli ah | Oh my love (1), oh leleli (2), |
| τα δυό σου χείλη στάζουνε μέλι ωϊμέ | ta dio sou hili stazoune meli oime | your two lips are dripping honey, oh my! (3) |
| Αχ Μισιρλού μαγική ξωτική ομορφιά | ah Misirlou mayiki xotiki omorfia | Oh my Egyptian magical, exotic beauty |
| τρέλλα θα μου ‘ρθη, δεν υποφέρω πιά | trella tha mou ‘rthi, den ipofero pia | craziness will come to me, I can't suffer any more |
| Αχ θα σε κλέψω μέσ' απ' την Αραπιά | ax tha se klepso mes ap tin Arapia | oh I will kidnap you from inside Arabia (4) |
| Αχ Μισιρλού μαγική ξωτική ομορφιά | ah Misirlou mayiki xotiki omorfia | Oh my Egyptian magical, exotic beauty |
| τρέλλα θα μου ‘ρθη, δεν υποφέρω πιά | trella tha mou ‘rthi, den ipofero pia | craziness will come to me, I can't suffer any more |
| Αχ θα σε κλέψω μέσ' απ' την Αραπιά | ax tha se klepso mes ap tin Arapia | oh I will kidnap you from inside Arabia (4) |
| Μαυρομάτα Μισιρλού μου τρελλή | mavromata Misirlou mou treli | My crazy black-eyed Egyptian, |
| η ζωή μου αλλάζει μ' ένα φιλί | ee zoi mou allazi m’ ena fili | my life is changed with one kiss. |
| Αχ Για χαμπίμπι μ' ένα φιλάκι αχ | ah ya habibi m’ ena filaki ax | Oh my love, with one kiss, oh, |
| απ' το δικό σου το στοματάκι ωϊμέ | ap’to diko sou to stomataki oime | from your mouth, oh my! |
| Αχ Μισιρλού μαγική ξωτική ομορφιά | ah Misirlou mayiki xotiki omorfia | Oh my Egyptian magical, exotic beauty |
| τρέλλα θα μου ‘ρθη, δεν υποφέρω πιά | trella tha mou ‘rthi, den ipofero pia | craziness will come to me, I can't suffer anymore |
| Αχ θα σε κλέψω μέσ' απ' την Αραπιά | ax tha se klepso mes ap tin Arapia | oh I will kidnap you from inside Arabia (4) |
| Αχ Μισιρλού μαγική ξωτική ομορφιά | ah Misirlou mayiki xotiki omorfia | Oh my Egyptian magical, exotic beauty |
| τρέλλα θα μου ‘ρθη, δεν υποφέρω πιά | trella tha mou ‘rthi, den ipofero pia | craziness will come to me, I can't suffer anymore |
| Αχ θα σε κλέψω μέσ' απ' την Αραπιά | ax tha se klepso mes ap tin Arapia | oh I will kidnap you from inside Arabia (4) |
| Αχ Μισιρλού μαγική ξωτική ομορφιά | Ah Misirlou mayiki xotiki omorfia | Ah, my Egypitan magical, exotic beauty! |
- "Ya habibi" is an Arabic expression for "oh my love" or “oh my darling”
- In Arabic, "leleli" is derived from the word "leil" for "night", but Arabic-speaking singers often improvise using the syllables "leleli" in the same way an English song might use nonsense syllables such as "tra la la".
- "Oime" is an ancient Greek word of expression, similar to "Oh my!"
- Many of the old songs use the word "Arapia" and its variants liberally. The lyrics generally use it to refer to Arabic-speaking or Indian women. Unfortunately, in the modern Greek language, the term "Arapis" has become an offensive racial slur for people with dark skin. Although this newer definition now exists, it did not mean this when the lyrics were written. When newer generations listen to these older songs today, they realize the lyrics are referring to an innocent use of the word, and can enjoy the music in the way it was intended.
Glykeria Kotsoula's Version, 1998
Another artist who recorded this song was Glykeria Kotsoula. She 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:
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. |
 |
Greek Lyrics |
Pronunciation |
English Translation |
| Μισιρλού μου η γλυκειά σου ματιά | Misirlou mou ee glikia sou matia | My Egyptian girl, your sweet gaze |
| φλόγα μου ‘χει ανάψει μέσ' την καρδιά | floga mou ‘hee anapsi mes’ tin kardia | lit a flame in my heart! |
| Αχ, για χαμπίμπι, αχ, για λελέλι ωω | ah, ya habibi, ah ya leleli oo | Ah my love (1), ah leleli (2), oo, |
| τα δυό σου χείλη στάζουνε μέλι ωω | ta dio sou hili stazoune meli oo | your two lips are dripping honey, oo! |
| Αχ Μισιρλού μαγική ξωτική ομορφιά | ah Misirlou mayiki xotiki omorfia | Oh my Egyptian magical, exotic beauty, |
| τρέλλα θα μου ‘ρθη, δεν υποφέρω πιά | trella tha mou ‘rthi, den ipofero pia | craziness will come to me, I can't suffer anymore |
| Αχ θα σε κλέψω μέσ' απ' την Αραπιά | ax tha se klepso mes ap tin Arapia | oh I will kidnap you from inside Arabia (3) |
| Μαυρομάτα Μισιρλού μου τρελλή | mavromata Misirlou mou treli | My crazy black-eyed Egyptian, |
| η ζωή μου αλλάζει μ' ένα φιλί | ee zoi mou allazi m’ ena fili | my life is changed with one kiss. |
| Αχ Για χαμπίμπι μ' ένα φιλάκι αχ | ah ya habibi m’ ena filaki ax | Oh my love, with one kiss, oh, |
| απ' το δικό σου το στοματάκι ωω | ap’to diko sou to stomataki oo | from your mouth, oo! |
| Αχ Μισιρλού μαγική ξωτική ομορφιά | ah Misirlou mayiki xotiki omorfia | Oh my Egyptian magical, exotic beauty, |
| τρέλλα θα μου ‘ρθη, δεν υποφέρω πιά | trella tha mou ‘rthi, den ipofero pia | craziness will come to me, I can't suffer anymore |
| Αχ θα σε κλέψω μέσ' απ' την Αραπιά | ax tha se klepso mes ap tin Arapia | oh I will kidnap you from inside Arabia (3) |
| Μισιρλού μου η γλυκιά σου η ματιά | Misirlou mou ee glikia sou ee matia | My Egyptian girl, your sweet gaze |
| φλόγα μου έχει ανάψει μέσ' την καρδιά | floga mou ehi anapsi mes’ tin kardia | lit a flame in my heart! |
| Αχ, για χαμπίμπι, αχ, για λελέλι ωω | ah, ya habibi, ah ya leleli oo | Ah my love, ah leleli, oo, |
| τα δυό σου χείλη στάζουνε μέλι ωω | ta dio sou hili stazoune meli oo | your two lips are dripping honey, oo! |
| Αχ Μισιρλού μαγική ξωτική ομορφιά | ah Misirlou mayiki xotiki omorfia | Oh my Egyptian magical, exotic beauty, |
| τρέλλα θα μου ‘ρθη, δεν υποφέρω πιά | trella tha mou ‘rthi, den ipofero pia | craziness will come to me, I can't suffer anymore |
| Αχ θα σε κλέψω μέσ' απ' την Αραπιά | ax tha se klepso mes ap tin Arapia | oh I will kidnap you from inside Arabia. |
- "Ya habibi" is an Arabic expression for "oh my love" or “oh my darling”
- In Arabic, "leleli" is derived from the word "leil" for "night", but Arabic-speaking singers often improvise using the syllables "leleli" in the same way an English song might use nonsense syllables such as "tra la la".
- Many of the old songs use the word "Arapia" and its variants liberally. The lyrics generally use it to refer to Arabic-speaking or Indian women. Unfortunately, in the modern Greek language, the term "Arapis" has become an offensive racial slur for people with dark skin. Although this newer definition now exists, it did not mean this when the lyrics were written. When newer generations listen to these older songs today, they realize the lyrics are referring to an innocent use of the word, and can enjoy the music in the way it was intended.
Maryo Maria Konstantinidou-Stamatiou Version
Some have referred to Maria Konstantinidou-Stamatiou as "the Tina Turner of Greece". She was one of the last original rebetises (rebetiko singers). She is a modern legend that sings classics. Numbers in parentheses refer to footnotes that appear at the bottom of the translation. |
 |
Greek Lyrics |
Pronunciation |
English Translation |
| Μισιρλού μου η γλυκειά σου η ματιά | Misirlou mou ee glikia sou ee matia | My Egyptian girl, your sweet gaze |
| φλόγα μου έχει ανάψει μέσ' την καρδιά | floga mou ehi anapsi mes’ tin kardia | you lit a flame in my heart! |
| Αχ, για χαμπίμπι, αχ, για λελέλι oχ | ah, ya habibi, ah ya leleli oh | Oh my love (1), oh leleli (2), oh, |
| τα δυό σου χείλη στάζουνε μέλι , oχ | ta dio sou hili stazoune meli , oh | your two lips are dripping honey, oh! (3) |
| Oχ Μισιρλού μαγική ξωτική ομορφιά | Oh Misirlou mayiki xotiki omorfia | Oh my Egyptian magical, exotic beauty |
| τρέλλα θα μου ‘ρθη, δεν υποφέρω πιά | trella tha mou ‘rthi, den ipofero pia | craziness will come to me, I can't suffer anymore |
| Αχ θα σε κλέψω μέσα απ' την Αραπιά | ax tha se klepso mesa ap’ tin Arapia | Ah I will kidnap you from inside Arabia (4) |
| Μαυρομάτα Μισιρλού μου τρελλή | mavromata Misirlou mou trellis | My crazy black-eyed Egyptian, |
| η ζωή μου αλλάζει μ' ένα φιλί | ee zoi mou allazi m’ ena fili | my life is changed with one kiss. |
| Αχ Για χαμπίμπι μ' ένα φιλάκι oχ | ah ya habibi m’ ena filaki oh | Ah my love, with one kiss, oh, |
| τα δυό σου χείλη στάζουνε μέλι oχ | ta dio sou hili stazoune meli oh | your two lips are dripping honey, oh |
| Oχ Μισιρλού μαγική ξωτική ομορφιά | Oh Misirlou mayiki xotiki omorfia | Oh my Egyptian magical, exotic beauty |
| τρέλλα θα μου ‘ρθη, δεν υποφέρω πιά | trella tha mou ‘rthi, den ipofero pia | craziness will come to me, I can't suffer anymore |
| Αχ θα σε κλέψω μέσα απ' την Αραπιά | ax tha se klepso mesa ap’ tin Arapia | Ah I will kidnap you from inside Arabia |
| Oχ Μισιρλού μαγική ξωτική ομορφιά | Oh Misirlou mayiki xotiki omorfia | Oh my Egyptian magical, exotic beauty! |
- "Ya habibi" is an Arabic expression for "oh my love" or “oh my darling”
- In Arabic, "leleli" is derived from the word "leil" for "night", but Arabic-speaking singers often improvise using the syllables "leleli" in the same way an English song might use nonsense syllables such as "tra la la".
- "Oime" is an ancient Greek word of expression, similar to "Oh my!"
- Many of the old songs use the word "Arapia" and its variants liberally. The lyrics generally use it to refer to Arabic-speaking or Indian women. Unfortunately, in the modern Greek language, the term "Arapis" has become an offensive racial slur for people with dark skin. Although this newer definition now exists, it did not mean this when the lyrics were written. When newer generations listen to these older songs today, they realize the lyrics are referring to an innocent use of the word, and can enjoy the music in the way it was intended.
Where to Get Recordings of this Song
 |
|
Artist: Sandler & Young |
 |
|
Artist: Harry Saroyan |
Related Articles
Translations of
Manolis Aggelopoulos' Songs On This Site
Translations of songs performed by Manolis Aggelopoulos on this web site include:
|
|
Translations of
Glykeria's Songs On This Site
Other translations on this web site for songs performed by Glykeria Kotsoula include:
|
|
About the Translator
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:
|
 |
Copyright Notice
This entire web site is copyrighted. All rights reserved.
All articles, images, forms, scripts, directories, and product reviews on this web site are the property of Shira unless a different author/artist is identified. Material from this web site may not be posted on any other web site unless permission is first obtained from Shira.
Academic papers for school purposes may use information from this site only if the paper properly identifies the original article on Shira.net using appropriate citations (footnotes, end notes, etc.) and bibliography. Consult your instructor for instructions on how to do this.
If you wish to translate articles from Shira.net into a language other than English, Shira will be happy to post your translation here on Shira.net along with a note identifying you as the translator. This could include your photo and biography if you want it to. Contact Shira for more information. You may not post translations of Shira's articles on anybody else's web site, not even your own.
If you are a teacher, performer, or student of Middle Eastern dance, you may link directly to any page on this web site from either your blog or your own web site without first obtaining Shira's permission. Click here for link buttons and other information on how to link.
Explore more belly dance info:
Top >Belly Dancing >
Middle Eastern Culture >
Index to Middle Eastern Music Section
Share this page!
On Facebook