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 "Xousara" (Χουσάρα), which was sung by Stelios Kazantzidis. Also included is a pronunciation guide for the Greek lyrics so you can sing along if you like.

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 this Song

Those of us from regions that speak Greek, Arabic, and Turkish have exchanged countless songs with each other through licensing the music and creating lyrics in our own languages. These include both current pop music and classics. The song translated on this page is an example of one – it originally appeared in Egypt as "Khosara".

ABOUT THE PHOTO: The photo shows Abdel Halim Hafez, the artist who popularized the original Egyptian version of this song.

"Khosara" (Κχοσαρα), was originally sung by Abdel Halim Hafez (Αμπντελ Χαλιμ Χαφεζ) in 1957. Its Greek adaptation and lyrics were created by Stelios Kazantzidis.

About Stelios Kazantzidis

Stelios Kazantzidis adapted the original Egyptian music for this song, wrote the Greek lyrics, and served as the original artist for the Greek version.

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 Pondian (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 from profit from his career as others took advantage of him.

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. Stelios 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

ABOUT THE PHOTO: This photo is of 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: Housara, 1961

Greek Lyrics: Konstantinos Kosta Delagrammati

Original Music: Baligh Hamdy

Adaptation of Music for Greek Version: Stelios Kazantzidis

Original Artist for Greek Version: Stelios Kazantzidis

Dance Style: Belly dancing

Album: Housara (Single)

Τραγούδι: Χουσάρα, 1961

Στίχοι: Κωνσταντίνος Κώστα Δελαγραμμάτη

Μουσική: Μπαλιγκι Χαμντι, Στυλιανός Στέλιος Καζαντζίδης

Πρώτη Εκτέλεση: Στέλιος Καζαντζίδης

Άλμπουμ: Χουσάρα (Single)