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 "Ragizi Apopse I Kardia" (Ραγίζει Απόψε Η Καρδιά), which was sung by Nikos Papazoglou. The same song was later recorded by Glykeria, but under the title "Kanis Edo Den Tragouda" (Κανείς Εδώ Δεν Τραγουδά).

This song could be used for slow, sad belly dance, perhaps at a belly dance event where freedom of expression and introspective moods are appropriate. It could be beautiful with a veil. I wouldn't use this for a performance at a party because it's a very sad song. When this song is played live at Greek events or nightclubs, the mood can change completely; however, not really the lyrics. It could have a more percussive Oriental flair or not. It all depends on the musicians. Each band expresses and improvises accordingly. In art, nothing is ever set in stone.

In 2004, a Turkish album titled Lazutlar Livera was released by Fouat Saka containing this song titled "Şimdi Ne Yapar", sung in Turkish. Foud Saka is a native of the Black Sea region of present day Turkey, Trabzon (Trapezounda). He has collaborated with the composer of the song, Nikos Papazoglou.

Also included is a pronunciation guide for the Greek lyrics so you can sing along if you like.

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 Nikos Papazoglou

Nikos Papazoglou was the original artist who recorded this song, releasing his version under the title "Ragizi Apopse Ee Kardia".

Born in Thessaloniki, Nikos Papazoglou was a popular singer, songwriter, and music producer. He began performing at the local level in the 1960's. In the mid-1970's, he met Manolis Rasoulis when they worked together on a project to create a musical based on a play by Aristophanes.

Following this, they teamed up in 1978 with Dionysis Savvopoulos and Nikos Xydakis to create a groundbreaking music album that achieved critical acclaim. Some credit this work with changing the course and perception of Greek popular music.

Building on this success, Papazoglou and Rasoulis collaborated again the following year to create another commercially successful work, Ta Dithen.

ABOUT THE PHOTO: The singer in the photo is Nikos Papazoglou.

About Glykeria

Glykeria is one of the artists who has recorded this song, releasing her version under the title "Kanis Edo Den Tragouda".

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.

ABOUT THE PHOTO: The singer in the photo is Glykeria.

• Ragizi Apopse Ee Kardia (Tonight the Heart is Breaking), 1978
• Also known as Kanis Edo Den Tragouda (Nobody Here is Singing), 1983

Lyrics: Takis Simotas

Music: Nikos Papazoglou

Original Artist: Nikos Papazoglou

Later performed by:

• Glykeria (1983) under the title Kanis Edo Den Tragouda

Dance Style: Belly dance in situations where a sad song could be appropriate, such as an introspective veil piece.

• Ραγίζει Απόψε Η Καρδιά, 1978
• γνωστός και ως Κανείς Εδώ Δεν Τραγουδά, 1983

Στίχοι: Τάκης Σιμώτας

Μουσική: Νίκος Παπάζογλου

Πρώτη εκτέλεση: Νίκος Παπάζογλου

Ερμηνεία: Γλυκερία (1983)

• Oi Manges Den Yparxoun Pia (Real Men Don't Exist Any More)
• Pote Voudas Pote Koudas (Sometimes Buddha, Sometimes Koudas)

• Ragizi Apopse Ee Kardia (Tonight the Heart is Breaking)

• Agapi Hioni (in duet with Natacha Atlas)
• Apo Xeno Topo (From Foreign Lands). Traditional Anatolian song. Same melody as the Turkish song Üsküdar'a Giderken.
• Boufedzis (Buffet). A Greek song which uses the music from the refrain "How dry I am" from Irving Berlin's song "The Near Future".
• Bournovalia
• Feredze Foro
• Hamopoulia
• Kanis Edo Den Tragouda (same song as Ragizi Apopse ee Kardia, just a different title)
• Kegome Kegome (Rebetiko version)
• Mana Mou Einai I Anatoli
• Me Bounatses Ke Boforia
• Mesa Sto Erimo Spitaki (Inside the Deserted Little Home). Duet with Giorgos Dalaras, 1984.
• Mi Mou Lete Ya Afti
• Mia Melaxrini
• Misirlou (includes translations of 8 Greek versions, including the one Glykeria recorded in 1998)

• Na Xanarthis (Come Back)
• Pare Me Apopse Pare Me
• Piga se Magisses (I Went to Witches)
• Ragizi Apopse ee Kardia (same song as Kanis Edo Den Tragouda, just a different title)
• Sti Mayemeni Arapia
• Ta Pentoxiliara

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.