Do you also like Greek music? Who is your favorite singer?
We here present you… Eleftheria Arvanitaki! A renowned Greek singer with a career that spans four decades and is a strong favorite among Omilo students. Let’s learn more about her life and work!
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One of the most popular Greek songs, and one that almost every Greek can sing along to, is “Varka sto Gialo” (Boat on the Shore).
At Omilo, language learning is always connected with culture. That’s why we regularly introduce our students to Greek singers, composers, and songs.
And of course, we even dance to some of them! 🙂
This beloved piece was composed by Mikis Theodorakis, one of Greece’s most iconic composers.
“Varka sto Gialo” is a timeless masterpiece that holds a special place in the hearts of Greeks and music lovers around the world.
The song beautifully blends feelings of longing, strength, and hope. It tells the story of a sailor facing rough seas while yearning for home.
With Theodorakis’ composition and the powerful interpretation of the singer, the song creates deep emotion, while its unforgettable melody has made it a true classic of Greek music.
click here to listen to the song
Βάρκα στο γιαλό – Lyrics in Greek
Πέντε πέντε δέκα
δέκα δέκα ανεβαίνω τα σκαλιά
για τα δυό σου μάτια για τις δυό φωτιές
που όταν με κοιτάζουν νοιώθω μαχαιριές.
Βάρκα στο γιαλό, βάρκα στο γιαλό
γλάστρα με ζουμπούλι και βασιλικό.
Πέντε πέντε δέκα
δέκα δέκα θα σου δίνω τα φιλιά
κι όταν σε μεθύσω κι όταν θα σε πιώ
θα σε νανουρίσω με γλυκό σκοπό.
Βάρκα στο γιαλό, βάρκα στο γιαλό
γλάστρα με ζουμπούλι και βασιλικό.
Πέντε πέντε δέκα
δέκα δέκα κατεβαίνω τα σκαλιά
φεύγω για τα ξένα για τη ξενητιά
και μην κλαίς για μένα αγάπη μου γλυκειά.
Βάρκα στο γιαλό, βάρκα στο γιαλό
γλάστρα με ζουμπούλι και βασιλικό.
Translation in English
Boat by the shore
Five and five makes ten.
Ten by ten I climb up the stairs
for the two eyes of yours, for the two fires
that whenever they see me, I feel knife stabs.
Boat by the shore, boat by the shore,
pot with bluebell and basil.
Five and five makes ten.
Ten by ten I will be giving to you the kisses.
And once I make you drunk and drink you,
I’ll sing you a lullaby for a sweet cause.
Boat by the shore, boat by the shore,
pot with bluebell and basil.
Five and five makes ten.
Ten by ten I climb down the stairs.
I’m leaving overseas, for new worlds
and don’t you cry about me, my sweet darling.
Boat by the shore, boat by the shore,
pot with bluebell and basil.
How can we dance on this song? Greek Xasaposerviko dance
The Xasaposerviko is a lively traditional Greek dance, which is very easy to learn.
Many Omilo students have the opportunity to learn its steps during the Greek dance lessons that follow the morning language sessions. In this dance, participants form a circle, intertwining their arms and gracefully executing energetic and rhythmic footwork. The Xasaposerviko is celebrated for its lively ambiance, accompanied by joyful music, fostering a strong sense of unity and joy within the participants.
You can also follow the same steps demonstrated in the accompanying video,
Greek dance lesson
Click here to watch another video with the same dance,
performed by Omilo-students in different course locations (Nafplion, Syros, Lefkada), and on different songs.
Greek lesson; different words for “boat”
Why in this song the word “varka” is used, and not “ploio” or “skafos” or “karavi”…
In Greek there are many words to describe “boat”, but they are all different boats
Want to learn more? Then take a look at podcast story 24…
https://omilo.com/easy-greek-stories-podcast-24/
Who is Mikis Theodorakis?
Mikis Theodorakis is a highly esteemed Greek composer, musician, and political figure.
Born in 1925, Greece, he is known for his immense contributions to Greek music and culture. Theodorakis’s work covers a wide range of musical genres, from symphonies and ballets to popular songs. His compositions often reflect his deep-rooted passion for social justice and political activism. Notably, Theodorakis played a significant role in the resistance against the military dictatorship in Greece during the 1960s and 1970s, which led to his imprisonment and therefore also the international recognition. His music continues to inspire audiences worldwide, making Mikis Theodorakis a revered figure in Greek and global music history.
In Greece, Theodorakis is particularly known for his popular songs that have become an integral part of the country’s musical heritage. Some of his most popular Greek songs include “Zorba the Greek” (“Sirtaki”), which became an iconic symbol of Greek culture worldwide, and many more.
Theodorakis’ ability to blend traditional Greek elements with modern sounds, along with his emotive melodies and heartfelt lyrics, has made his popular Greek songs cherished and beloved by generations, fostering a strong sense of national pride and cultural identity.
Mikis Theodorakis passed away in 2021. Click here to read more about his life.
Greek songs and Greek music are often the reason many Greek language learners decide to start learning Greek in the first place.
Music creates an immediate emotional connection and makes the language feel alive, meaningful, and personal.
Listening to Greek songs is a fun way to learn and build your vocabulary.
You do not only learn more about the language, but also to its culture, emotions, and everyday life. Read more
Who is Dionysis Savvopoulos?
Dionysis Savvopoulos is one of Greece’s most influential musicians, since he sings, writes lyrics and composes his own songs.
Born in Thessaloniki in 1944, he became known for blending Greek folk music with rock and poetic lyrics, creating a unique sound that marked the cultural awakening of the 1960s and 1970s. For many Greeks, Savvopoulos is not just a musician but a storyteller who captures the spirit of modern Greece through his words and melodies.
He began his career in 1964, appearing in nightclubs together with Maria Farantouri and Manos Loizos.
Savvopoulos was imprisoned twice during the Greek dictatorship. People fell in love with him straight away, making him and his music very popular in Greece and abroad.
In some of his songs, he combined the music of American musicians such as Bob Dylan with folk music from Macedonia, northern Greece, and lyrics about current political affairs. He has been awarded an honorary doctorate by the Department of Philology of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.
Ο Διονύσης Σαββόπουλος θεωρείται ο πρωτεργάτης της σχολής των Ελλήνων τραγουδοποιών. Τραγουδοποιοί ονομάζονται όσοι γράφουν μουσική, στίχους και τραγουδούν οι ίδιοι τα τραγούδια
τους. Άρχισε τη σταδιοδρομία του το 1964, και έκανε εμφανίσεις σε νυχτερινά κέντρα με τη Μαρία Φαραντούρη και τον Μάνο Λοΐζο.
Κατά τη διάρκεια της δικτατορίας φυλακίστηκε δύο φορές. Γνώρισε πολύ γρήγορα τεράστια επιτυχία και σύντομα έγινε πολύ δημοφιλής στην Ελλάδα και το εξωτερικό. Είχε συνδυάσει τη μουσική Αμερικανών μουσικών όπως του Μπομπ Ντίλαν με μακεδονική λαϊκή μουσική και στίχους πολιτικού περιεχομένου. Έχει ανακηρυχτεί επίτιμος διδάκτορας στο τμήμα
Φιλολογίας του Αριστοτελείου Πανεπιστημίου Θεσσαλονίκης.
Let’s learn A Greek Song for a New Haircut!
Ένα ελληνικό τραγούδι για ένα νέο κούρεμα
Did you know that Greeks love using wishes in everyday life?
They will offer good wishes at almost any opportunity;
at the start of a new month, a new week, or even when someone gets a new haircut!
Curious to learn more about everyday Greek wishes?
Download the FREE Omilo eBook + Audio on Greek Wishes
It is summer, and a perfect time to sing songs, in Greek of course 🙂
It became a tradition for some years at Omilo; singing Greek songs together with teacher Eva.
This summer one of the selected songs is
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Τόσα Καλοκαίρια (“So Many Summers”)
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Performer: Δάκης
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Composer: Μίμης Πλέσσας
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Lyricist: Λευτέρης Παπαδόπουλος
The song was created around 1967 and featured in the Greek musical‑film «Γοργόνες και Μάγκες» (Mermaids and Lads), directed by Γιάννης Δαλιανίδης.
Though Δάκης’s voice is heard, he did not appear onscreen. A dancer and actress duo portrayed the scene, making it Greece’s first unofficial music video clip!A video clip created without all the technology existing now 🙂
The song speaks from the perspective of someone who has finally found love, after many years of waiting, loneliness, and missed chances.
The narrator remembers all the summers spent without love, waiting for someone special.
Now that the beloved has arrived, everything changes; the heart is open again, and happiness returns.Scroll down to read the Greek lyrics as well as English translation
Here is the link for the videoclip on YouTube
https://youtu.be/HRsflfZLdYI?si=LScuTKasJL4GHl-Y
Learning Greek vocabulary through music is not only useful, it’s also a lot of fun!
Below, you can enjoy a beautiful and popular Greek song by Rena Morfi, while reading along with the lyrics.
So turn up the volume, sing along (even if it’s just the chorus!), and let your Greek improve.
One song at a time!
Learning Greek songs is always a popular activity during the 1- and 2 week Omilo courses.
There is a reason why we named our Greek Programs “Omilo Greek Language and Culture“, back in 1996!
There is no language without culture, and at Omilo the culture is as important as the language!
One of the activities usually incorporated in our intensive 1- and 2-week programs are “Learning Greek songs”.
Many students learning Greek, started their Greek Language Journey by listening to Greek music.
Greek music is very diverse, and there are many different styles. Impossible to get bored with Greek music!
The Omilo song is there! After 27 years of organizing Omilo Greek Language and Culture courses, we are very happy to finally have a song!
And even more amazing that it is created and performed, by Omilo-students 🙂
We thank Stephanie (Canada) and Ellen (USA), for their cooperation during the Syros September course in 2023, and their little concert .
Both students met for the first time during a Syros course, and joined forces.
Ευχαριστούμε πολύ.
We are definitely going to sing it together again 🙂
Under the video, you will find the lyrics, so you can sing along 🙂
The most well known Greek New Year Song, is sang on December 31st!
Children will ring your doorbell early in the morning, and sing the New Year Carol – ta kalanta
Of course, you can hear this New Year song also on the radio, and maybe, you can also try to sing it yourself and impress your Greek friends ;-).
A song to say good bey to the “old year” and welcome the “new year”!
Although there are many variations and different songs, there is one song you will hear all over Greece.
Listen to the video, and read the text in Greek and English. Enjoy
