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 "Ouzo Otan Peeis Diki Mou ine ee Ellas" (Ούζο όταν πιεις Δική μου είναι η Ελλάς), which was sung by Haris Alexiou. Also included is a pronunciation guide for the Greek lyrics so you can sing along if you like.

Advice from the translator on using this song in a dance performance:

This beautiful song's lyrics talk about Greece. This song is very popular, and may be used for Greek Independence Day month. However, please respectfully use caution if using a Greek flag as a prop for any celebration. The Greek flag is extremely meaningful to Greek people and must be respected. There is a cross on the upper left section. If you enter holding a stick with the Greek flag attached, please mindfully set the flag down in a respectful place such as a table top after you have finished waving it. Please avoid accidentally stepping on the flag, throwing it, or sitting on it. I don't recommend using a Greek flag as a veil. If you follow these recommendations you won’t offend your clients!

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 Haris Alexiou

Haris Alexiou is the professional name for Hariklia Roupaka (Χαρίκλεια Ρουπάκα). She was born in 1950 in Greece. She became successful as a rebetiko singer in the 1970's, and today is considered one of the most popular vocalists in Greece. She has recorded more than 30 albums of her own, and more than 20 of those have achieved either gold or platinum status.

Lyrics: Emilios Savvidis (Savaim, Bosporinos)

Music: Sosos Ioavvidis (Psuriotis)

Στίχοι: Αιμίλιος Σαββίδης (Σαβαίμ, Βοσπορινός)

Μουσική: Σώσος Ιωαννίδης (Ψυριώτης)

Πρώτη εκτέλεση: Χάρις Αλεξίου

Greek Lyrics

Pronunciation

English Translation

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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.