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 "Pare, Pare, Pare Me" (Πάρε πάρε πάρε με), which was sung by Filippos Nikolaou. 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

The original version of this song came from Azerbaijan in 1968 when Azerbaijan was still a Soviet Socialist Republic. Its title "Sana Gurban". It was composed by Alekper Taghiyev, with Azerbaijani lyrics by Mikayil Mushfig. The original artist, Zeynab Khanlarova, was an immensely popular artist through the Soviet Union, Middle East, and Central Asia.

After the song's initial release, versions of it were recorded in Armenian, Arabic, Turkish, and Greek.

About Filippos Nikolaou

Filippos Nikolaou is a Greek singer and lyricist who has 41 albums to his credit, including two that have achieved platinum status. He was born in 1942 to a refugee father from Anatolia. His first job was at age 12, working as a porter, then later in a candy factory. He later found a better job as a customs broker.

At age 22, Nikolaou and a friend decided to travel to Rhodes together via a cruise ship. On board the ship, they met a band of musicians known as The Playboys who were lamenting that their lead singer had just abandoned them, and they needed to play a gig on Rhodes. They recruited Nikolaou to perform as their lead singer, and this began his lifelong career in the music business.

Nikolaou made his debut as a recording artist, composer, and lyricist in 1969 with his song "Fylla fthinoporina". He adapted many foreign songs for the Greek market, including this one, giving them Greek lyrics. His career peaked in the 1970's. Today, he continues to do live shows, and remains a popular entertainer.

Song: Pare, Pare, Pare Me (Take, Take, Take Me), 1977

Greek Lyrics: Filippos Nikolaou

Music: Alekper Taghiyev

Original Greek Artist: Filippos Nikolaou

Dance Style:

• Belly Dance
• Syrtos
• Syrto-Tsifteteli

Album: Fores Fores (Times, Times)

Has Also Been Recorded By:

In Armenian

• Adiss Harmandian, 1973, in Armenian ("Karoun Karoun")
• Jacques Kodjian, 1973 ("Karoun Karoun"). On the album Jacques Kodjian Volume 4.
• Tom Bozigian, 1975, in Armenian ("Garoon")
• John Bilezikjian, ("Karoun Ne"). On the album Dream of Scheherazade.

In Turkish

• Necati Dindaş, 1974, in Turkish ("Onda Bunda Şundadır")
• Emel Sayın, 1988, in Turkish ("Onda Bunda Şundadır")

In Other Languages

• Zeynab Khanlarova, 1968, in Azerbaijani ("Sana Gurban"). Original Azerbaijani lyrics by Mikayil Mushfig.
• Taroub, 1971, in Arabic ("Tiki Tiki Tak"). On the album El Kamar Taleh.
• Andus Ensemble ("Karoun Karoun"). On the album Laura at the Harem.
• Duraid Lahham (sometimes known as Ghawar al-Toushi which was the name of a character he played in a Syrian television series), 1975, in Arabic ("Fatoum, Fatoumeh")
• Omar Khorshid ("Karoun Karoun"). On the album Belly Dance from Lebanon.
• Brothers of the Baladi, ("Karoun Karoun"). On the album Food of Love.

Τραγούδι: Πάρε πάρε πάρε με

Στίχοι: Φίλιππος Νικολάου

Μουσική: Αλεκπερ Ταγιεβ

Πρώτη Εκτέλεση: Φίλιππος Νικολάου

Χορός: Οριεντάλ, Χορό Της Κοιλιάς, Ανατολίτικος Χορός, Τσιφτετέλι, Χανούμικο, Κελικός Χορός, Συρτός, Συρτοτσιφτετέλι

Άλμπουμ: Φορές Φορές

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.