PHOTO CREDIT: Above photo by John Rickman Photography, San Jose, California.

This page contains a translation into English of the lyrics to the Pontian song "Sa Xena Ime Ellinas" (Σα Ξένα Είμαι Έλληνας), which was sung by Stelios Kazantzidis. Another name people sometimes use for this song is "Patrida M Araevose" (Πατρίδα Μ Αραεύω Σε).

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 Pontus

This song's lyrics were created in the the Pontian Anatolian dialect of Greek, whose roots lie in the language of ancient Greece rather than the Modern Greek spoken in the country of Greece today. Pontian was the language spoken in Pontus. The Modern Greek language was never spoken in Pontus. In addition to having their own language, the majority of Pontian Anatolian Greeks (including my great-grandparents) were also fluent in Ottoman Turkish.

Pontus is a region within modern-day Turkey that lies on the south side of the Black Sea. Since ancient times, Pontus covered a large mountainous region, and possessed great wealth, including silver mining. The Turkish people call this region Karadeniz.

Historically, Pontus consisted of a primarily Hellenic (Greek) population, although some other ethnic groups lived there as well. Due to invasion in the 17th century, this primarily Greek region became part of the Ottoman empire and remained part of it until the fall of the Ottoman regime after World War I. The overthrow of the empire led to the forced mass exodus of millions of Anatolian Greeks and other Christians.

To this day, there are many crypto Christian Pontians. If you visit the region, you will encounter many who still speak the Pontian Anatolian Greek language!

About this Song

This traditional Pontian song is considered by many Greeks in the diaspora to be the national anthem for not only Pontians, but also all other Greek diasporans. This song has been recorded by countless Pontian singers, and it is always played at all Pontian Anatolian Greek gatherings. Stelios Kazantzidis also recorded a version in Modern Greek language. Translations for both the Pontian version and the Modern Greek version appear on this page.

Translator's Note

Although I am of Pontian Anatolian Greek heritage and grew up with the culture, arts and language, sadly I am not 100% fluent in the ancient Pontian Anatolian Greek language. I do, however, understand a lot, and I know our songs because I grew up with them. I like to ensure my translations are precise, so I collaborated with my Pontian Anatolian Greek mother, Evangelia Symeonidou-Bakis (Ευαγγελία Συμεωνίδου-Μπακη) to cross check, allowing me to provide you with the best accuracy!

About the Omal Dance Style

The dance style that is appropriate for this song is "omal", a folk dance that comes from Pontus. Both the rhythm and the dance done to it are called "omal".

Traditionally, this and other Pontian Anatolian Greek dances were done in a closed circle. Today, people dancing it often leave the circle open, though if the mood feels right, they still might close it.

Omal is danced at all kinds of occasions by both men and women where dancing would be appropriate. The mood of the dance is typically inspired by the mood of the song and its lyrics.

About Stelios Kazantzidis

The legendary Stelios Kazantzidis was born August 29, 1931 in Athens Greece, specifically Nea Ionia. He is among the most beloved musicians of our time. His music and words never get old. He was of Asia Minor and Pontian (Greek Anatolian) descent. Stelios or, as many love to call him, Stelara, was also loved due to his character and simplicity in life. Sadly, he did not make much profit from his career as he was taken advantage of.

Stelios' music is all about love, immigration, pain, refugee, and poverty as is most music of this time. He is considered one of the fathers of Laiko music. Stelara has touched many people's lives. He remained so humble and simple until cancer took his last breath in 2001.

“I sing for the poor, the immigrants and the suffering people… generally for the lower social classes. They can’t go to the expensive night clubs. They buy my discs and they regard them as their Gospels.” – Stelios Kazantzidis

Personal notes by the translator:

The music of Stelios Kazantzidis is very dear to my heart. My grandmother and grandfather were often referred to as the young Kazantzidis and Marinella, while singing at family gatherings. Marinella was Stelios' first wife, and his biggest love.

If you want to impress Greeks, you need to remember Stelios' name. As much as Princess Diana was loved, so was Stelios. People cry black tears to his music.

Song: Sa Xena Ime Ellinas (In Foreign Lands I'm A Greek), 1997

Also Known As: Patrida M Araevose (I'm Looking For My Country)

Lyrics: Hristos Andoniadis

Music: Kostas Siopis

Original Artist: Stelios Kazantzidis

Instrumentals on Kemence: Hristos Hrisanthopoulos

Τραγούδι: Σα Ξένα Είμαι Έλληνας (Πατρίδα Μ Αραεύω Σε), 1997

Στίχοι: Χρήστος Αντωνιάδης

Μουσική: Κώστας Σιώπης

Πρώτη Εκτέλεση: Στέλιος Καζαντζίδης

Κεμεντζέ/Λύρα: Χρήστος Χρυσανθόπουλος