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

The Story Behind the Song

Background information about beloved Greek songs.

• Apo Xeno Topo, Kâtibim, and Üsküdara Giderik'en. This fascinating song whose origins are lost to history is celebrated around the world.
• Den Xanakano Filaki O Kapetanakis: The Story Behind the Song. Sometimes, even if you know a song's translation, you still don't really know what it's about. This article can help.
• Ikariotikos. The story of the song and its dance.
• Mastika: The Story Behind the Song. Information about where mastika grows, how it is used, where it comes from, and more.
• Misirlou: The Story Behind the Song. A song whose popularity has spread around the world.
• Never On Sunday. The movie and its hit song

ABOUT THE PHOTO: Actress Melina Merkouri sings the Oscar-winning song "Ta Pedia Tou Pirea" in the 1960 motion picture Never on Sunday.

About Traditional Music, Dance, and Culture

• Musical Traditions of Pontus, the Black Sea Region of Present-Day Turkey. By Panayiota Bakis Moheiddin. Traditional instruments.
• Choosing Greek Songs for Dancing. Are you looking for a song in a particular dance style, such as the Greek line dance hasapiko or maybe belly dancing? This list of suggested song titles for each of several dance styles can help you quickly narrow your search.
• Introduction to Greek Laiko / Rebetiko Music
• The Misirlou "Folk Dance": Folklore or Fakelore?. History of this line dance that's popular in U.S. folk dance circles.
• The Paniyiria: Greek Festivals. Insight into the historical and cultural story behind Greek paniyiria (festivals), both church-sponsored and secular.
• Tips for Performing Greek Line Dances. Advice on bringing traditional folk dances to the stage.

ABOUT THE PHOTO: Panayiota Bakis-Mohieddin, backstage with her husband Amer Mohieddin during the annual spring performance at the National State Folk Dance of Theater of Greece.

Resources for Belly Dancers About Greek Music and Dance

• Songs with Lyrics in Multiple Languages: Greek, Arabic, Turkish. Record companies often operate in more than one country, and release a given song in multiple markets, changing the lyrics to local languages.
• Using Greek Patriotic Music in Your Belly Dance Show. When it's appropriate, and which songs to consider.
• Greek Words that Belly Dancers Should Know

• Afti i Nihta Meni (This Night Remains).
• Agapi Hioni (Love Snow). Duet featuring Glykeria and Natacha Atlas.
• Agapimene Mou (My Loved One). By Eleftheria Christopoulou. Uses the same melody as "Ana Kont Fakrak Malak" by Farid al-Atrache.
• Agires (Anchors). By Keti Garbi. Another title used for this song is "I Agapi Kiklous Kani". Uses the same melody as the Turkish song "İşte Hendek İşte Deve".
• Agonia (Agony).
• Agori Mou Melaxrino (My Brown-Haired Boy). By Eleftheria Hristopoulou. Uses the same melody as the Egyptian song "Gana el-Hawa" by Abdel Halim Hafez.
• Ah Koritsi Mou (Oh My Girl). By Giannis Ploutarchos.
• Ah Moustafa! (Oh Moustafa).
• Aharistia (Ingratitude). By Dimitris Kokotas, and later by Eleni Hatzidou.
• Ala Tourka Horepse Mou (Dance for Me in Turkish Style).
• Aladdin (Aladdin) 2017 song by Chrispa.
• Alaxa (I Changed). 2019 song by Nikos Vertis.
• Alexandria (Alexandria). By Giannis Kotsiras.
• Alithia Sou Leo (The Truth I Am Telling You). By Stamatis Gonidis. Uses the same melody as Algerian raï artist Khaled's song Aïcha.
• Alitis Ke Amartolos (Punk & Sinner). By Dimitris Hrisohoidis.
• Alkolikes I Nihtes (Alcoholic Nights). By Pantelis Pantelidis.
• Alexisfero Yileko (Bullet-Proof Vest).
• Alitis Ke Amartolos (Punk & Sinner). By Dimitris Hrisohoidis.
• Alkolikes I Nihtes (Alcoholic Nights).
• Amorgiano Mou Perama (My Sailboat of Amorgiano). Traditional, this translation based on version by Haris and Panos Katsimihas.
• Anapse To Tsigaro (Light the Cigarette).
• Anatolitisa (Anatolian Woman). By Manolis Aggelopoulos. Based on the original 1979 Turkish song "Tövbekâr" by Ferdi Tayfur.
• Apo Xeno Topo (From a Foreign Land). Traditional Asia Minor. A Turkish counterpart is known as Üsküdar'a Giderken" or "Kâtibim".
• Arapika Kormia (Arabian Bodies).
• Arapiko Louloudi (Arabian Flower).
• Arapines Nihtes Magikes (Arab Women, Magical Nights).
• Aspro I Mavro (White or Black). By Keti Garbi.
• Ayazin (O Beauty). By Stratos Dionisiou. A Greek version of the Arabic-language 1950's song "Ah Ya Zein".
• Ayia Nihta (Holy Night). By Elena Paparizou and many others. A Greek version of the hymn "Silent Night".

ABOUT THE PHOTO: Stelios Kazantzidis and Marinella, a legendary duo from the rebetiko era of Greek music.

• Boufedzis (Buffet). By Yiorgos Batis and the band H Tetras H Xaskousti Tou Pireos.
• Bournovalia (Girl from Bournova).
• Charamisa (I Wasted). By Eleftheria Christopoulou.
• Chiculata (Chocolate). By Giorgos Xanthiotis.
• Den Axizis (You Don't Deserve). This is a version of Tarkan's song "Dudu" with Greek lyrics.
• Den Me Agapas (You Don't Love Me). By Anna Vissi. Also recorded in Arabic as "Enta el-Masseoul" by Pascale Machaalani in 2001.
• Den Me Rihnis (You Can't Seduce Me). By Prodromos Kathiniotis.
• Den Se Fovame (I'm Not Afraid of You). By Melina Aslanidou. Political song.
• Den Se Lismono (I Haven't Forgotten You.)
• Den Se Xehno (I Don't Forget You). By Stamatis Gonidis. This is a version of Amr Diab's song "Kan Andak Haq" with Greek lyrics.
• Den Teriazete (You Don't Match).
• Den Xanakano Filaki - O Kapetanakis (I Won't Do Jail Again – Kapetanakis). By Panayiotis Mihalopoulos.
• Derti (Longing) By Keti Garbi. Greek version of the Turkish song "Faka Bastın" by Emel Müftüoğlu.
• Deste Mou Ta Matia (Blindfold My Eyes). By Despina Vandi. Greek version of the song "Oul Inshallah" by Lebanese singer Iwan.
• Dinata, Dinata (Loud, Loud), by Eleftheria Arvanitaki. Has also been recorded by Antique.
• Dos Tou, Nani Nani (Give to Him, Sleep Sleep). By Marika Ninou. A more recent version released in 2019 by Ζaharoula Klimatsaki.
• Ee Agapi Kiklous Kani (Love Goes Around). By Keti Garbi. Another title used for this song is "Agires". Uses the same melody as the Turkish song "İşte Hendek İşte Deve".
• Eftihos (Fortunately). By Thanos Petrelis.
• Ego Ime Prosfiga Pedi (I Am a Refugee's Child). By Stelios Kazantzidis.
• Ego Tha Vgo (I Will Go Out). By Eleni Hadzidou.
• Ehis Kormi Arapiko (You Have an Arabian Body).
• Ela, Ela (Come, Come). By Angela Dimitriou. She also recorded it with Turkish lyrics under the title "Haydi, Haydi".
• Ela, Ela (with Simer K Avrio) (Come,Come). By Lena Zevgara.
• Ellada (Greece). By Thanos Petrelis.
• Ellada Eparhia (Greece's Countryside). By Melina Aslanidou.
• Ellada, Hora Tou Fotos (Greece, Land of the Light). By Keti Garbi.
• Elleos (Mercy). By Angela Dimitriou and Amr Diab as a duet.
Later released by Natalia Dossopoulou and Mustafa Sandal as a duet. Both versions translated at this link.
• Ematha Pos Eese Mangas (I Hear You Are a Manga). This song is also known with different lyrics under the name "Nei Hasiklides". Both versions of lyrics are translated on this page.
• Esi Esi Esi (You, You, You). By Amr Diab and Eirini Papadopoulou as a duet. Partly in Greek, partly in Arabic. The Arabic name is "Ahe Ahe Ahe".
• Exafanisi (Disappearance). By Giorgos Dalaras. Soundtrack for the Greek television drama series Ee Exafanisi (Οι Εξαφάνιση).
• Exo Dertia Ke Kaimi (Out with Sorrows and Longing).

• Farrah (Farrah).
• Feredze Foro (Wearing the Face Veil). By Rita Abadzi, and later by Glykeria. Has also been released with Turkish lyrics under the title "Seni Gördükçe Titriyor Yüreğim".
• Feriha, Konda Sto Neelo (Feriha, Near the Nile). By Sophia Vembo.
• Fige Apo To Mialo Mou (Get Out of My Mind)
• Fige, Fige (Leave, Leave). By Stratos Dionisiou and Giota Lydia. There is also a Turkish version titled "Çapkın" by Candan Erçetin.
• Filakia (Kisses). This song features Greek lyrics with Tarkan's "Simarik".
• Fimes (Rumors). By Keti Garbi. Same melody as the Turkish song "Sayma", recorded by Zerrin Özer.
• Fotia (Fire). By Hrispa. One of the Greek songs based on the Egyptian song "Salma, Ya Salama".
• Fotia Ke Asimi (Fire and Silver). By Natali Triantafillidou. This song features Greek lyrics with the melody for Rashed al-Majed's "Mashkalni".
• Fovame (I'm Afraid).
• Foveri (Awesome). By Giorgos Mazonakis. Has also been released with Turkish lyrics as "Senden Çok Var", and with Arabic lyrics as "Baqy".
• Fragosyriani (Catholic Girl from Syros).
• Ftani Emena Na M' Agapas (As Long As You Love Me). By Makis Hristodoulopoulos.
• Ftes (Blame). By Paola Foka. An Arabic version was recorded five years later by Ragheb Alama as "Trekni Lahali".

ABOUT THE PHOTO: Manolis Aggelopoulos was a legendary Greek Romani singer. Several of his songs are translated on this web site.

• Gia Kita Kosme Ena Kormi (Why, Look! What a Body!). By Keti Grey.
• Gia Proti Fora (For the First Time). A version of Amr Diab's "Tamally Maak" with Greek lyrics.
• Gia 'Sena Liono (For You I Melt). By Angela Dimitriou and Tolga Futaci. Lyrics are partly in Greek, partly in Turkish.
• Glika, Glika, Glikia Mou (Sweetly, Sweetly, Sweetheart). By Panayiota Yiota Halkia. A version with Turkish lyrics was released by Ibrahim Tatlises under the title "Oklavıyam Pazıyam" in 1975.
• Glikia Felaha Klapse (Cry, My Sweet Village Woman).
• Gülbahar (Gülbahar).
• Habiba (Habiba). By Rena Dalia.
• Halali Sou (All for You, It Was Nothing). By Eirini Papadopoulou. Based on 2013 Albanian song "Te Ka Lali Shpirt" by Silva Gunbardhi. Also an Arabic version "El Layali" by Amal Hijazi.
• Hamopoulia (Sparrow). By Dimitris Basis.
• Haramisa (I Wasted). By Eleftheria Christopoulou.
• Horepse To Tsifteteli (Dance the Tsifteteli). By Prodromos Tsaousakis and Anna Bella (duet). This song is also known as "To Koritsi Apopse Theli Na Horepsi Tsifteteli".
• Hristouyena (Christmas). By Despina Vandi.
• Hristougena Xana (Christmas Again). By Elena Paparizou. A Greek version of "Ding Dong Merrily on High".
• Hronia Polla (For Many Years). By Sakis Rouvas.
• 'Htes To Vradi Stin Taverna (Last Night at the Taverna). By Stratos Dionisiou.
• I Agapi Kiklous Kani (Love Goes Around). By Keti Garbi. Another title used for this song is "Agires". Uses the same melody as the Turkish song "İşte Hendek İşte Deve".
• I Agapi Sou De' Meni Pia Edo (Your Love Doesn't Live Here Any More). By Elena Paparizou. Based on the melody for a 2004 Turkish song named "Aşkın Açamadığı Kapı", sung by Demet Akalın.
• I Doulia Kani Tous Andres (Work is What Makes The Men). By Eleni Roda.
• I Mikri Tou Kamilieri (The Little Camel Driver). By Marika Ninou and Thanasis Evgenikos.

• Ida Ston Ipno Mou (I Saw in My Dream). By Notis Sfakianakis.
• Ikariotikos (From Ikaria). By Giorgos Konitopoulos and later by Giannis Parios.
• Ikos Anohis (Brothel). By Pantelis Pantelidis.
• Ilios I Vrohi (Sun or Rain). By Keti Garbi.
• Ime Erotevmenos Me Ta Matia Sou (I'm in Love with Your Eyes). By Chrisoula Stini and Nikos Gounaris.
• Indiana Mou Glikia (My Sweet Indian Girl). By Manolis Aggelopoulos.
• Ine Glikos O Thanatos (Death is Sweet) by Stelios Kazantzidis.
• Ipofero (I'm Suffering). By Despina Vandi.
• Ise i Zoi Mou (You Are My Life).
• Isos Isoun Kiria (Maybe You Were a Lady)
• Ithela Na Mouna Pasas (I Would Have Liked to be a Pasha).
• Kai An Se Thelo (And Even if I Want You). By Giorgos Dalaras. Greek version of "Ya Rayah", an Algerian raï song by Rachid Taha.
• Kairon (Cairo). By Manolis Aggelopoulos, Keti Gleri, and Fofi Rasel.
• Kala Hristouyena (Merry Christmas). By Anna Vissi.
• Kalimera Ilie (Good Morning, Sun). By Kostas Smokovitis and Aleka Aliberti.
• Kalokeri kai Pathos (Summer and Passion). By Eleni Paparizou. Greek version of a French chanson "Que Dieu Me Pardonne", sung by Kendji Girac and Claudio Capeo.

ABOUT THE PHOTO: Keti Garbi is a popular artist, and several of her songs are translated on this web site.

• Kaneloriza (Kaneloriza). Traditional Asia Minor.
• Kanis Edo Den Tragouda (Nobody Here is Singing). By Glykeria. Another name for this song is Ragizi Apopse Oi Kardia.
• Kapou S'Eho Xanadi (I Have Seen You Somewhere Before). By Eleonora Zouganeli.
• Kapse Me, Kapse Me (Burn Me, Burn Me). By Poly Panou. A Greek version of Asmahan's "Ya Habibi Taala Elhaani".
• Katastrofi (Destruction). By Paola Foka.
• Katazitite (Wanted). By Natassa Theodoridou. Uses the same melody as Shakira's "Ojos Así", but with Greek lyrics.
• Kegome Kegome. (I'm Burning, I'm Burning.) This is the 1983 song by Sotiria Leonardou, which has also been recorded by Glykeria.
• Kegome Kegome (I'm Burning, I'm Burning). This song uses Greek lyrics with Tarkan's "Şıkıdım" (also known as "Hepsi Senin Mi").
• Kemal (Kemal). By Aliki Kagialoglou. Fantasy tale of a young prince named Kemal and the misadventures that befell him.
• Kemal (Kemal). Tragic song about the Greek genocide in Turkey in the early 20th century.
• Klamata. (Tears.)
• Konda Sto Neelo (Near the Nile). By Sophia Vembo.
• Kou Pepe (Kou Pepe). By Panos Kalidis.
• Krifa (Secretly). By Michalis Hatzigiannis. Uses the same melody as Algerian raï artist Khaled's song Aïcha.
• Ladadika (Red Light District). By Dimitris Mitropanos.
• Ligo Ligo tha me Sinithisis (I Love You and I Get Lost).
• Lioma Se Gkremo (Drunk on the Cliff).
• Logia Meli (Words of Honey). By Keti Garbi. Greek version of "Betigy Osady" by Hisham Abbas.
• Logia Omorfa (Beautiful Words). By Gianna Terzi.
• M' Agapas? S' Agapo (You Love Me? I Love You). This song features Greek lyrics for the song which originally appeared in Turkey as "Sevdim" sung by Emrah Erdoğan İpek.
• Ma Pou Na Pao (But Where Can I Go?)
• Madisa (Plucking Flower Petals). By Villy Razi.
• Magia. (Black Magic). By Josephine.
• Magika Xalia (Magic Carpet). By Lefteris Pantazis. Same melody as Hakim's "El Bo'd Laa" (also called "Le Le Le Le") released in 1991. Appeared on a Mezdeke album as "Le Le Yere Milheve".

• Mana En Krion Neron (Mother Is Like Cold Water). Pontian song about mothers.
• Mana Glikia (Sweet Mother). By Haris Alexiou.
• Mana Mou (My Mother). By Stelios Kazantzidis.
• Mana Mou Einai I Anatoli (My Mother is Anatolia). By Glykeria.
• Mandoubala (Mandoubala).
• M' Aresi (I Like It). By Kostas Bigalis. Uses the same melody as Algerian raï artist Khaled's song Aïcha.
• Maria Me Ta Kitrina (Maria with the Yellow). Appropriate for syrtos.
• Marinella (Marinella). 9/8 rhythm.
• Masai (Masai). By Elli Kokkinou. Was released with Turkish lyrics in 2004 as "Yıkılıyo", sung by Ayça Tekintor. Was released with Arabic lyrics in 2008 as "Men Eyouni" sung by Bassem Moughnieh.
• Mastikaki, Mastikaki (Mastika, Mastika). By Kamuran Kayra. Uses the same melody as "Ouzaki, Ouzaki" (listed below), but with different lyrics. There are also two Turkish songs that share this melody, "Mastika" and "Ussak Karsilamas".
• Matia Mou Omorfa (My Beautiful Eyes). By Antonis Kardamilis.
• Me Bounatses ke Boforia (With Calm and Strong Winds).
• Me' Sti' Fotia Mou (Inside My Fire). By Mimis Papaioanou. Two different Turkish songs have been released with this melody — as "Atsan Atılmaz Satsan Satılmaz", and as "Karanlık Dünyam".
• Mera Me Ti' Mera Fevgo (Day by Day I Pull Away). By Nikos Kourkoulos. Modern song based on Pontian musical style.
• Mes Stis Polis to Hamam (In the Constantinople Turkish Bath). This song is sometimes known by the title "To Haremi Sto Hamam".
• Mesa Stin Agalia Sou (Inside Your Embrace). By Konstandinos Tsahouridis and Melina Aslanidou.

ABOUT THE PHOTO: Several of Despina Vandi's songs are translated on this web site.

• Mesa Stin Erimo (In the Desert). By the duet Giota Lydia and Hristakis. Uses the melody for the 1954 Egyptian song "Aziza" by Mohamed Abdel Wahab.
• Mesa Sto Erimo Spitaki (Inside the Deserted Little Home). Stelios Kazantzidis and Marinella. Uses the melody for the 1949 Egyptian song "Ashek el Roh" by Mohamed Abdel Wahab.
• Mi Gyrízeis Xana (Do Not Come Back Again). By the duet Natasa Theodoridou and Triantafillo Hadzinikolaou.
• Mi Mou Lete Ya Afti (Don't Tell Me About Her).
• Mia Dekara Den Axizi I Agapi Sou (Your Love Isn't Worth a Dime). By Manos Papadakis.
• Mia Einai I Ousia (The Point Is).
• Mia Fotia (A Fire). By Manolis Aggelopoulos. Based on the 1967 Lebanese song "Nassam Alayna el-Hawa" by Fairouz, composed by the Rahbani Brothers.
• Mia Melaxrini (A Dark Girl).
• Misirlou (Egyptian Girl).
• Mou Lipi (I Miss). Greek-language version of Amr Diab's legendary hit "Habibi Ya Nour el Ain".
• Na 'Tane To Ikosi Ena (I Wish it Were 1821). A hasapiko.
• Na Xanarthis (Come Back). By Glykeria and Antonis Vardis.
• Nei Hasiklides (New Hashish Smokers). This song is also known with different lyrics under the name "Ematha Pos Eese Mangas". Both sets of lyrics are translated on this page.
• Nero Ke Homa (Water and Soil). By Melina Aslanidou and Michalis Kouinelis.
• Never on Sunday. This name was widely used by U.S. recording artists, but the correct name for this song is "Ta Pedia Tou Pirea".
• Nina Nai Nai. This name appears on some album track lists, but the correct name for this song is "Siko Horepse Koukli Mou".

• O Ay Vasilis Pali Tha 'rthei (Santa Claus Will Come). By Keti Garbi. Greek version of "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town."
• O Feredze (Wearing the Face Veil). By Glykeria, Rita Abadzi, and others. Has also been released with Turkish lyrics under the title "Seni Gördükçe Titriyor Yüreğim".
• O Mavros Gatos (The Black Cat). By Vasilis Papakonstantinou. It's not really about a cat.
• O Peritos (Unnecessary). By Despina Vandi.
• O Salonikios (The Salonika Man).
• O Sirtis (The Latch). By Giorgos Alkaios.
• O Tavromahos Xepsiha (The Bullfighter is Dying). By Giota Lydia. Uses same melody as Mohamed Abdel Wahab's "Habibi Lasmar".
• Oi Manges den Yparxoun Pia (Real Men Don't Exist Any More).
• Oi Mnimes (The Memory). By Eleftheria Arvanitaki.
• Oi Hasiklides (The Hashish Smokers). Same song as Nei Hasiklides, just slightly different title. This song is also known with different lyrics under the name "Ematha Pos Eese Mangas". Both sets of lyrics are translated on this page.
• Ola Lathos (All Wrong). By Elli Kokkinou.
• Ola Se Thimizoun (Everything Reminds Me of You). By Haris Alexiou. Later released with Turkish lyrics by Yeni Türkü and others under the song title "Olmasa Mektubun".
• Onira (Dreams). By Lena Zevgara.
• Oniro Demeno (Dream Moored). By Panos Gavalas and Ria Koyrti. For dancing hasapiko.
• Otan Horevis Matia Mou (When You Are Dancing, My Eyes!). By Manolis Aggelopoulos.
• Ouzaki, Ouzaki, Marlboro Tsigaraki (Ouzo, Ouzo, Marlboro Cigarette). By Christos Drakoulis. Another Greek version of lyrics to this traditional melody exists under the title "Mastikaki, Mastikaki". Turkish versions also exist under the titles "Mastika" and "Ussak Karsilamas".

ABOUT THE PHOTO: Eleftheria Arvanitaki recorded many songs from the rebetiko and laiko eras. Many of her songs are translated on this web site.

• Ouzo Otan Peeis Diki mou ine ee Ellas (When You Drink Ouzo, Greece is Mine).
• Oxygono (Oxygen). By Naya, with backup vocals by Katerina Stikoudi.
• Pali Berdeftika (Again I Was Confused). By Marinella. One of the Greek songs based on the Egyptian song "Salma, Ya Salama".
• Pame Stihima Tha Xanarthis (Let’s Make a Bet You Will Return).
• S' Agapo Giati Ise Oraia (I Love You Because You Are Beautiful). Traditional. There is also a Turkish version titled "Seni Seviyorum Çünkü Güzlsin".
• Paradehtika (I Acknowledge). By Alkistis Protopsalti.
• Paramithiazome (I Tell Myself Fairy Tales).
• Pare Me Apopse Pare Me (Take Me Tonight, Take Me). Sung by Nikos Ziogalas and Glykeria.
• Pare, Pare, Pare, Me (Take, Take, Take Me). By Filippos Nikolaou. Greek version of the Azerbaijani song "Sana Gurban" popularized by Zeynab Khanlarova.
• Pente Hronia Dikasmenos (Five Years Convicted). By Stelios Perpiniadis.
• Perasmena Xehasmena (Past, Forgotten). By Keti Garbi. This song shares the same melody as "Wana Amel Eh" (sometimes called "Wana Wana") by Hisham Abbas.
• Perimeno (I'm Waiting). By Georgia Vrana and Mohamed Taha. Sung partly in Arabic, partly in Greek.
• Peritos (Unnecessary). By Despina Vandi.
• Pes To M' Ena Fili (Say It With a Kiss). By Keti Garbi. A version with Turkish lyrics is "Haydi Söyle" by Ayşegül Aldinç.
• Pes To Mou Xana (Say It Again to Me). By Nikos Vertis.
• Piga se Magisses (I Went to Witches).
• Pios Einai Aftos (Who is He).
• Port Said Ke Skenderia / Zaharenio Hanoumaki (Port Said and Alexandria / Sugary Belly Dancer). By Stelios Perpiniadis (Stellaki).
• Porta Gia ton Ourano (Doorway to Heaven).
• Poso Mou Lipi (How Much I Miss). By Sotis Volanis. This melody was later used for Fadl Shaker's hit "Ya Ghayeb" in Arabic and Serdar Ortac's song "Beni Unut" in Turkish.
• Pote Voudas Pote Koudas (Sometimes Buddha, Sometimes Koudas).
• Pou Ine Ta Hronia (Where Are The Years). Sung by Grigoris Bithikotsis and later by Giorgos Dalaras.
• Pou Perpatas (Where Are You Walking To?) By Natassa Theodoridou. Uses the same melody as the Algerian Raï song "Tellement n' Brick" by Faudel.
• Prosehe Kala (Be Careful).

• Ragizi Apopse Oi Kardia (Tonight the Heart is Breaking). Another name for this song is Kanis Edo Den Tragouda.
• Roudolf To Elafaki (Rudolph the Reindeer). Sung by Thanos Kalliris, and later by Keti Garbi. Greek version of "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer".
• S’Agapo ke Hanome (I Love You and I Get Lost).
• S' Anazito Sti Saloniki (I'm Looking for You in Saloniki). Suitable for zeibekiko.
• Sa Xena Ime Ellinas (In Foreign Lands I'm a Greek). By Stelios Kazantzidis.
• Salma, Ya Salama (Greetings). By Vicky Mosholiou. One of the Greek songs based on the Egyptian song "Salma, Ya Salama".
• Se Paradehome (I Accept You).
• Se Pira Sovara (I Took You Seriously). By Sarbel. Version of Sidi Mansour with Greek lyrics.
• Se Thelo Me Trela (I Want You with Craziness). Greek-language version of Nancy Ajram's Ya Tabtab.
• Serah (Serah).
• Seviyorum, Gia 'Sena Liono (Love You, For You I Melt). By Angela Dimitriou and Tolga Futaci. Lyrics are partly in Greek, partly in Turkish.
• Sex (Sex). By Elli Kokkinou.

ABOUT THE PHOTO: Glykeria is a popular artist of the laiko era. Many of her songs are translated on this web site.

• Sigedrosou (Focus). By Kelly Kelekidou. A Greek version of "La Azon", which was released in Arabic by Mohamed Fouad.
• Siko Horepse Koukli Mou (Get Up and Dance, My Doll). Also sometimes called "Nina Nai Nai".
• Simer K Avrio - Ela, Ela (Today and Tomorrow - Come,Come). By Lena Zevgara.
• Sinodevome (I'm on a Date).
• Sirtis (Latch). By Giorgos Alkaios.
• Skliri Kardia (Tough Heart). By Sarbel. This is a Greek version of the Egyptian song "Nari Narain" ("Habibi Dah") by Hisham Abbas.
• Sokerde (How Are You?) By Giorgos Xanathiotis.
• Soultana Pilea (Sultana of Pilea). Origins unknown.
• Spasta (Break Everything). By Angela Dimitriou and Amr Diab as a duet. Lyrics in both Greek and Arabic. Also known by the Arabic title "Ana Bahebak Aktar".
• Stalia, Stalia (Little by Little). By Marinella.
• Sti Mayemeni Arapia (In Enchanted Arabia).
• Sti' Saloniki (In Salonika). By Peggy Zina. Same melody as "İstanbul'da" by Göknur Onur.
• Stin Agora Tou Al Halili (At the Khan al-Khalili Market Place).
• Stis Akres Ap'ta Matia Sou (From the Corners of Your Eyes). By Eleftheria Arvanitaki.
• Stochos (Target). By Keti Garbi. Greek version of "Of Of" by Gülşen Bayraktar.
• Ston Evdomo Ourano (In 7th Heaven). Sung by Lefteris Pantazis. This is the same song as Egyptian singer Hakim's "Wala Wahed", but with Greek lyrics and a few melody changes.

• Ta Filia Sou Fotia (Your Kisses Are Fire). By Manolis Aggelopoulos. Has also been recorded by Maria Katinari (1999) and Melina Kana (2005.) This is the same melody as Oum Kalthoum's "Enta Omri", but with Greek lyrics and some melody changes.
• Ta Hirotera (The Worst). By Eleni Hatzidou. Can also be spelled Ta Xeirotera.
• Ta Kavourakia (The Little Crabs). By Marika Ninou and Vasilis Tsitsanis.
• Ta Klemena (The Stolen). By Notis Sfakianakis.
• Ta Ladadika (Red Light District). By Dimitris Mitropanos.
• Ta Pedia Tou Pirea (The Guys of Pirea). Also sometimes called "Never on Sunday".
• Ta Pentohiliara (The 5,000 Drachmas).
• Ta Xeirotera (The Worst). By Eleni Hatzidou. Can also be spelled Ta Hirotera.
• Taxe Mou (Promise Me). By Elli Kokkinou.
• Tetia Agapi Den Axizo (I Don't Deserve this Kind of Love)
• Tha Kano Amarties (I Will Commit Sins). By Giorgos Xanathiotis.
• Tha Spaso Koupes (I Will Break Cups). Traditional song from Smyrna (where modern-day Izmir, Turkey now lies). Includes translations for "Yiamo" and "Matia Mou Megala" that use the same melody. A version with Arabic lyrics was released as "Law Habaytak". Two Turkish versions exist, one named "Tsiftetelia" and the other "Chifta Telly Canto".
• Tha ta Kapso ta Lefta (I Will Burn my Money)
• Thelo Ke Ta Patheno (I Want Things to Happen to Me). By Thanos Petrelis.
• Theos Mou Eisai (You Are my God)
• Thimizis Kati Apo Ellada (You Remind Me of Something from Greece). By Thanos Petrelis.
• Ti Ein' Afto (What Is Love?)
• Ti' Fotia Pou 'Hees Anapsi (The Fire You Turned On). By Theodoros Kavourakis and Ageliki Palagoudi. Same melody as the Turkish 9/8 song "Rampi Rampi", with Greek lyrics.
• Ti Kano Moni Mou (What I'm Doing Alone).
• Τi Kardia Sou Rota / Kalbine Sor (Ask Your Heart). A duet by Keti Garbi and Burak Kut sung partly in Greek, partly in Turkish.
• Ti Lozani Ti Kozani (What's the Difference Between Lausanne and Kozani?)
• Ti Thelis Apo 'Menane (What Do You Want from Me?). By Stelios Kazantzidis. Uses the melody for "Resala Men Taht El Maa" by Abdel Halim Hafez.
• Ti Ti (What, What?). By Giorgos Alkaios. This is a Greek version of Cheb Khaled's major hit, "Didi".
• Ti Zitas (What Do You Want?). By Litsa Diamanti. There are also versions in Arabic ("Nour el Shams") and Turkish ("Yok Gerekçem").
• Tin Patrida M' Ehasa (I Lost My Homeland). By Giannis Kourtidis & Ahileas Vasiliadis. Sung in Pontian. Melody was used in 2004 for the Turkish song "Ben Seni Sevduğumi".
• Tis Kardias Mou Giatria (My Heart's Cure). By Despina Vandi. Was also recorded in Arabic by the Lebanese artist Yara for her 2009 song "Ma Yhemmak", also known as "Khaly Kol Elnas Tshouf".
• To Fidi (The Snake)
• To Haremi Sto Hamam (The Harem in the Turkish Bath). This song is sometimes known by the title "Mes Stis Polis to Hamam".
• To Kokkinou Potami (The Red River). By Eleonora Zouganeli.
• To Koritsaki Mou (My Girl). By Valantis.
• To Koritsi Apopse Theli Na Horepsi Tsifteteli (The Girl Tonight Wants to Dance Tsifteteli) . This song is sometimes known as "Horepse To Tsifteteli".
• To Narkotiko Mou (My Drug). By Keti Garbi. Same melody as a song with Turkish lyrics, Zordur Oğlum by Ziynet Sali.
• To Poli Poli (Worst Case Scenario). By Shahinaz Mahmoud. Melody was used in 2002 for "Oulli Oulli" by Shahinaz Mahmoud, in Arabic.
• Ton Hristouyenon Kabanes (The Christmas Bells). By Thanos Kalliris, and later by Keti Garbi.
• Tora Kles, Yati Kles (Now You Are Crying, Why Crying).
• Tosi Kardia, Tosi Agapi (So Much Heart, So Much Love). By Filippos Nikolaou. Same melody as the Moroccan-Egyptian song "Bitakat Hob" by Samira Said.
• Tou Pontou Panayia (The Virgin Mary of Pontus). By Themis Adamantidis.
• Touli Gia To Hristouli (Veil for the Christ Child). By Keti Garbi. Greek version of the Christmas hymn "Adeste Fideles" ("O Come All ye Faithful").
• Tsifteteli (Belly Dancing). By Eleftheria Arvanitaki.
• Tsigana Mavromata (Black-Eyed Romani Woman). By Sofia Vembo.
• Vre Melaxrinaki (Dark One). By Makis Hristodoulopoulos.
• Ximeroni Ke Vradiazi (Dawn Comes and Nightfall Comes.) By Marika Ninou, Vasilis Tsitsanis, and Prodromos Tsaousakis. Same melody as a 1970 song with Turkish lyrics, "Bir Gün Elime Düşersin" by Semiramis Pekkan.
• Xousara (Housara). By Stelios Kazantzidis. Based on an Egyptian song, "Khosara", which was recorded by Abdel Halim Hafez in 1957.
• Xronia Polla (For Many Years). By Sakis Rouvas.
• Zaira (Zaira).
• Zehra (Zehra).
• Zilia (Jealousy). By Keti Garbi. Greek version of Amr Diab's "Kalast Feek Kol al Kalam".
• Zito Ta Paraloga (Long Live the Absurdity).

ABOUT THE PHOTO: Pantelis Pantelidis, a promising young singer/songwriter whose career was cut short when he was killed in a 2012 car accident.

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.