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The Omilo song(s)!

Finding the Omilo Song; Over the years, we often wondered whether Omilo should have its own  song.

But how could we possibly choose one?

Greek music offers such an incredible variety of styles, singers and composers that choosing just one song to represent Omilo always seemed impossible.

At Omilo, we dance to traditional Greek music, go to concerts of entechno, rebetiko and laiko, and organise presentations about Greek singers and composers from many different periods and styles.

There is always something new to discover. You simply never get bored with Greek music.

The First Omilo Song

Then, in 2022, something unexpected happened.

Two Omilo students (from USA and Canada)  joined forces and wrote a song especially for us.

Suddenly,  we had our very own Omilo song!

It was one of the most beautiful and personal gifts we could ever have imagined. And it was the beginning of a new little tradition: songs connected especially with Omilo.

Click here to find the lyrics and listen to the song.

Then Came 2026… and one more song!

In 2026, Omilo celebrates its 30th anniversary.

For the occasion, Maya and Dimitris prepared a presentation looking back at thirty years of Omilo: the first courses, the different locations, the teachers and students, the difficult years, the funny moments and, above all, the thousands of memories created along the way.

But how do you end thirty years of memories?

With a song, of course.

So this time, Maya and Dimitris created an Omilo anniversary song themselves.

The idea was not to choose a Greek melody that only some students would recognize.
We wanted something that students and friends from many different countries could immediately join in and sing together.

Something simple, familiar and fun.

Because after thirty years, perhaps that is what Omilo has always been about:

Different countries, different languages, different ages and different stories…

but all singing together.

The  Lyrics of the Omilo Song

Verse 1

For thirty years, yes 30 years
Omilo is teaching Greek
From Καλημέρα ,Γεια σου, τι κάνεις..
Στο Ομιλώ, μιλάω και τραγουδώ! (I talk and I sing)
Όπα!

Verse 2

For thirty years,  yes 30 years,
Students fell in love with Greece
Speaking Greek, without fear
Στ’ Ομιλώ, τολμώ να μιλώ!  (I dare to talk)
Όπα!

Verse 3

Learning Greek, and sharing life,
Exploring Greece together too,
Different countries, one big family,
Στ’ Ομιλώ, φίλους θα βρω!  ( I will find friends)
Όπα!

 

Verse 4

We’ve tasted Greece, in many ways,
Shared good food, and many laughs,
In classes, taverns, or while dancing,
Στ’  Ομιλώ,  χορεύω κι εγώ!  ( I also dance)
Όπα!

 

Final Verse 5

So thank you all,  for being here,
The best is still to come, you’ll see,
Another thirty years together,
Στ’ Ομιλώ, ξανά θα ‘(ε)ρθω!  (I will come again)
Όπα!

Also in the mood to learn Greek with Omilo? Then take a look at all our courses in Athens, Nafplion, Syros, Lefkada, and ONLINE

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An Omilo song! Performed and created by Omilo students :-)

The Omilo Song Is Here!

After 27 years of organising Omilo Greek Language and Culture courses, we finally have our very own Omilo song!

And what makes it even more special? It was written and performed by Omilo students.

During our September  course on Syros island, Stephanie from Canada and Ellen from the USA met for the first time.
Apart from sharing their love for Greece and the Greek language, they also discovered a shared love of music.

So they joined forces and surprised us with something we certainly hadn’t expected: a song especially for Omilo!

They performed it during a little concert on Syros, and we couldn’t have wished for a more personal gift.

Ευχαριστούμε πολύ, Stephanie and Ellen!

We will definitely be singing it together again at future Omilo courses.

Watch and listen to the song below, and don’t forget to sing along!

You’ll find the lyrics underneath the video.

 

omilo greek song

The Greek Lyrics of the Omilo Song

Ομιλώ,

Εύκολο καλοκαίρι

Όλοι μαθαίνουμε,  Όλοι μαζί

Καθηγητές, και όλα τα παιδιά τους

σιγά-σιγά ταξιδεύουμε μακριά

 

Πες μου Caroline, τι έκανες σήμερα;

Πες μου Willy, τι θα κάνεις τώρα ;

Πες μου Beatrice , σου αρέσει που είσαι;

Πέστε μου όλοι σας, Σας αρέσουν τα Ελληνικά;

Of course, Ellen and Stephanie are also improving their Greek at the same time, and are very motivated students.

Click on the picture below and listen to their feedback about Learning Greek with Omilo, online or in Greece

 

Testimonial Greek course

 

OMILO TESTIMONIAL GREEK

 

Also in the mood to learn Greek with Omilo? Then take a look at all our courses in Athens, Nafplion, Syros, Lefkada, and ONLINE

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Learn More About Greek Music and Greek Singer Eleftheria Arvanitaki

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!

Click here to read the article in Greek
Read more

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A Popular Greek song by M. Theodorakis

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

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/

greek audio story 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.

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Your Persistence | A Greek Song by Eleonora Zouganeli

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

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Dionysis Savvopoulos and his songs

 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.

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A Greek Song for a New Haircut? Yes, Really!

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

Read more

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A Greek summer song, of all times!

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

  • Τόσα Καλοκαίρια (“So Many Summers”)

  • Performer: Δάκης 

  • Composer: Μίμης Πλέσσας

  • 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

     

     

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Greek Vocabulary With A Song By Rena Morfi

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!

Click here to read the article in Greek

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Learn Greek With An Entechno Song – George Dalaras

Do you like Greek music?  Σας αρέσει η ελληνική μουσική;

Maybe this is not an easy question to answer, since there are so many different genres of Greek songs and music.
Ίσως να μην είναι τόσο εύκολο να απαντήσετε σε αυτή την ερώτηση, αφού υπάρχουν πολλά είδη ελληνικής μουσικής.

You might like one particular genre, like Rembetiko, Pop, Rock, but maybe not another genre like Laika, Entechna…?

So a better question might be;
Which genre of Greek Music do you like? Or, do you like Greek entechna songs ?
But  with those questions,  many non-Greeks will not be able to answer them, since they do not know the names or the difference between the various musical genres, neither the time-period that particular music was created in Greece.
Read more

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