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 "Se Thelo Me Trela" (Σε Θέλω), which was sung in Greek by Kelly Kelekidou. Also included is a pronunciation guide for the Greek lyrics so you can sing along if you like.

About this Song

The original version of this song was released in 2006 by Lebanese born star Nancy Ajram, on her fifth album, with Arabic lyrics. Nancy Ajram's version of the song is "Ya Tabtab" (أريدك بجنون) . Its music was composed by the Egyptian songwriter Dr. Tarek Madkour (طارق عادل مدكور) . Dr. Madkour has also done work for Amr Diab. The original lyrics in the Arabic language are by Egyptian lyricist Ayman Bahgat Qamar (son of the renowned playwright Bahgar Qamar.

Greek composers made some changes to the original music to make it fit with the Greek lyrics.

There are many Greek/Arabic and Greek/Turkish weddings, and this song could fun to feature for them. In fact, any song that exists in both languages would be, or perhaps even a re-mix with both languages. Now that's a great way to impress your clients and leave a great positive impression!

I highly recommend this song for belly dancers who are accustomed to Arabic music, and want to perform for Greeks. In fact, any song that you are able to find in both Greek/Arabic will always be hit for the crowd and most importantly you. Why for you? It is the easiest way to transition into dancing for Greeks, by using songs that you already know and love. We have countless shared music, so you won't have a problem.

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 Kelly Kelekidou

Kelly Kelekidou, the original artist for the Greek version of this song, is a very popular singer of Anatolian Greek Pontian heritage. People often refer to her by the nickname "KelKel". She is known for many hits including "Glyka Glyka". Her collaboration with Pontian singer Nikos Kourkoulis led to marriage and two children.

About Christodoulos Siganos

Christodoulos Siganos, which is sometimes spelled as "Hristodoulos", was born in Montreal, Canada, and his family brought him to Greece when he was five years old. Due to his family's ties to the music industry, he grew up surrounded by music, took vocal lessons, and is self taught on the guitar. Not only is he a singer, he also composes music, writes lyrics, and does arrangements of musical pieces.

Song: Se Thelo Me Trela (I Want You With Craziness), 2007 November

Album: Makria Sou Den Iparho (I Don't Exist Away from You)

Greek Lyrics: Thanasis Garavelas, Yiannis Mallias, Hristodoulos Siganos, Valentino

Composer for Greek Version: Hristodoulos Siganos, Iordanis Pavlou

Original Greek Artist: Kelly Kelekidou (Kel Kel)

Dance Style: Belly Dance

Original Arabic Version (2006)

Original Composer: Dr. Tarek Madkour

Arabic Lyrics: Ayman Bahgat Qamar

Original Artist: Nancy Ajram

Τραγούδι: Σε Θέλω, 2007 Νοέμβριος

Άλμπουμ: Μακριά Σου Δεν Υπάρχω

Στίχοι: Θανάσης Γκαράβελας, Μαλλιάς Γιάννης, Χριστόδουλος Σιγανός, Βαλεντίνο,

Μουσική: Dr. Τάρεκ Μαντκούρ, Χριστόδουλος Σιγανός, Ιορδάνης Παύλου

Πρώτη εκτέλεση: Κέλλυ Κελεκίδου (Κελ Κελ)

Greek Lyrics

Pronunciation

English Translation

Instrumental

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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.