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

Here is the English translation for the beautiful Greek love song, "Ti Ein' Afto". The title is sometimes written as "Ti'ne Afto Pou to Lene Agapi" or "Tien Afto" or "Tin Afto". Also include is a pronunciation guide for the Greek lyrics so you can sing along if you like.

This song has been popular among belly dancers for many years. Its lyrical rhythm makes it especially well-suited for veil work.

The vocalist who introduced this song to the world was Keti Denis, in 1955. She taught Sophia Loren to sing it for the 1957 motion picture Boy on a Dolphin.

Lyrics: John Fermanoglu
Music: Takis Morakis

Lyrics: Danai Stratigopoulou (Yiannis Fermanoglou)

Music: Takis Morakis

Original Artist: Keti Denis

Appeared in films:

• Boy on a Dolphin. Sung by Sofia Loren, 1957
• The Greek Woman and the Love. Sung by Nadia Konstantopoulou, 1962

Στιχοι: Δανάη Στρατηγοπούλου (Γιάννης Φερμάνογλου)

Μουσικη: Τάκης Μωράκης

Πρώτη εκτέλεση: Καίτη Ντένις

Κυκλοφορία σε ταινίες:

• Το Παιδί και το Δελφίνι – Σοφία Λόρεν, 1957
• Η Ελληνίδα και ο Έρωτας - Νάντια Κωνσταντοπούλου, 1962

Greek Lyrics

Pronunciation

English Translation

Listen to Clip

Artist: Harry Saroyan
CD Title: Saroyan Sings an Oriental Bouquet

Listen to Clip

Listen to Clip

Many thanks to my late friend, Harry Saroyan, for providing this translation to this web site! Harry, the founder of Saroyan Mastercrafts, Inc., was a master craftsman who made finger cymbals and costume coins. In addition, he was a popular recording artist.

With his popularity and expertise in the belly dance communities, he was continually invited to perform music and be the Master of Ceremonies for events, as well as judge belly dance competitions. Harry's love, devotion and contributions to Middle Eastern arts made him very popular with belly dancers worldwide who have enjoyed his finger cymbals, coins, and music.

Harry passed away September 27, 2016. However, as long as dancers continue using his music and playing the finger cymbals he designed, he'll remain a treasured part of our dance community. Rest in peace, Harry.

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.