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 "To Koritsi Apopse Theli" (Το κορίτσι απόψε θέλει), which was sung as a duet by Prodromos Tsaousakis and Anna Bella. 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.

Prodromos Tsaousakis was the stage name of Prodromos Moutafoglou, a highly respected laiko/rebetiko musician. He was born in 1919 in Constantinople (Istanbul). He arrived in Greece at the tender age of three. Prodromos began his performing career in Thessaloniki around the late 1940's by spending time in various venues, which eventually led to being hired. His first collaboration was with the legendary Vasilis Tsitsanis. He then went on to work with many additional notable artists. The then-young Stelios Kazantzidis was a major fan and follower of Prodromos. They went on to collaborate musically, but later had a fallout. Up until a heart attack ended his life in 1979, he was very successful throughout Greece as a singer and songwriter.

ABOUT THE PHOTO: Podromos Tsaousakis, one of the two original artists. (The original song was a duet.)

The Hellenic (Greek) people, young and old, love the laiko style of music. But there is also a love/hate relationship. You have to be in the mood to be able to welcome this music into your conscious body, mind and soul. Even though there are many songs that may sound upbeat, they are also heavy at the same time. But when the time comes for celebration, it has the opposite feeling. Feeling is no longer heavy, but rather joyous and nostalgic!

ABOUT THE PHOTO: Anna Bella, one of the original artists. (The original song was a duet.)

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 Hristos Kolokotronis

Hristos Kolokotronis wrote the lyrics for this song.

The great Hristos Kolokotronis was one of the musical geniuses during the Golden Era (1955-1975) of the popular Greek laiko / rebetiko musical movement. Hristos was born in Kalithea (raised in Glikomilia, Trikala) on December 25, 1922 into a very historical and highly respected family. He was the great-great-great grandson of Theodoros Kolokotronis, a hero during the Greek Revolution in 1821. Hristos is known for his work as a singer, songwriter, composer and a briefly a journalist. He collaborated with many well-known and established musicians of that era. He is credited for having written close to 2,500 songs. Hristos Kolokotronis passed away in 1999.

ABOUT THE PHOTO: This photo is of Hristos Kolokotronis.

Song: To Koritsi Apopse Theli Na Horepsi Tsifteteli - The Girl Tonight Wants To Dance Tsifteteli, 1952

Alternate Song Title: Horepse To Tsifteteli - Dance the Tsifteteli

Lyrics: Hristos Kolokotronis (Thessalos)

Music: Giannis Tatasopoulos

Original Artists: Prodromos Tsaousakis and Anna Bella (duet)

Dance Style: Tsifteteli

Τραγούδι: Το κορίτσι απόψε θέλει Να χορέψει τσιφτετέλι - Χόρεψε το Τσιφτετέλι, 1952

Στίχοι: Χρήστος Κολοκοτρώνης (Θεσσαλος)

Μουσική: Γιάννης Τατασόπουλος

Greek Lyrics

Pronunciation

English Translation

Verse

Verse

Verse

Chorus

Chorus

Chorus

Verse

Verse

Verse

Chorus

Chorus

Chorus

Instrumental Solo

Instrumental Solo

Instrumental Solo

Chorus

Chorus

Chorus

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.