Nikos Portokaloglou has written and composed so many songs, that most likely you will recognize some…
Learning Greek through songs is a wonderful way to improve your listening skills, discover new vocabulary and get to know Greek culture at the same time!
So, let’s introduce you to a very known singer-songwriter, Nikos Portokaloglou (Νίκος Πορτοκάλογλου).
And, of course, we you will also learn one of is popular songs…
Omilo teacher Konstantinos introduces the Greek song Το καλοκαιράκι,
during an intensive Language Holiday on the island of Syros.
Many times, we also refer to this song as «Εγώ κι Εσύ» (You and Me).
Watch the video, and sing along with the students..
Enjoy practising your Greek through music.
You can find the Greek lyrics and English translation also below
Who is Nikos Portokaloglou?
Nikos Portokaloglou is a Greek singer, songwriter and guitarist who has been an important part of the Greek music scene for more than four decades.
He was born in Volos in 1957 and grew up in Athens.
From a young age, he loved music and started playing the guitar.
Influenced by international rock artists such as the Beatles and Bob Dylan, he gradually developed his own musical style, combining Western rock sounds with Greek melodies and lyrics.
His musical career took off in the early 1980s when he founded the popular Greek band Fatme (Φατμέ).
The band became well known for its original sound, mixing rock music with elements of Greek popular music. Several of their songs are still loved by Greek audiences today.
After Fatme disbanded, Portokaloglou started a successful solo career, writing and performing many songs that have become part of modern Greek music.
A Greek musician who brings generations together
What makes Nikos Portokaloglou special is his ability to combine different musical styles while keeping a very personal sound.
His songs often explore themes such as love, relationships, memories, dreams and everyday life.
Over the years, he has collaborated with many well-known Greek artists and continued to introduce his music to younger generations.
You might also know him from the popular Greek television programme «Μουσικό Κουτί» (Music Box), which he presented together with singer Rena Morfi.
The programme brought together musicians from different generations and musical backgrounds, offering viewers an opportunity to enjoy Greek music in surprising combinations.
Learn Greek with the song «Το καλοκαιράκι »
or
Εγώ κι Εσύ…
Now, let’s turn to our song!
You can listen here to the Youtube version
Even the title is useful for learners at the Beginning level
Το καλοκαίρι = the summer
to kaλοκαιράκι = diminutive form —> could be translated as ” the sweet summer”
- εγώ = I
- εσύ = you
- κι = and (a shortened form of και)
Listen to the song and follow the Greek lyrics
Το καλοκαιράκι στην ακρογιαλιά
μέσα στο νεράκι πλέουμε αγκαλιά.
Πέφτει το βραδάκι, πιάνει η δροσιά
δώσ’ μου ένα φιλάκι κι έλα πιο κοντά.
Εγώ κι εσύ, εσύ κι εγώ
μόνοι πάνω στη Γη!
Ωωω… μόνοι στη Γη!
Ήταν η Αθήνα κόμπος στον λαιμό
νέφος και ρουτίνα και άγχος τρομερό.
Δώσ’ μου ένα τσιγάρο, δώσ’ μου και φωτιά
Θεέ μου, θα σε πάρω στην καυτή την αμμουδιά.
Τηλέφωνο χτυπάει, βουλιάζει το νησί
και τ’ όνειρο σκορπάει στου γραφείου τη βουή.
Πετάγομαι ιδρωμένος, δουλεύεις και γελάς
σ’ ακούω σαν χαμένος το ρεφρέν να τραγουδάς.
English translation
In the summertime by the shore
in the water we float in each other’s arms.
Evening falls, the air turns cool
give me a little kiss and come closer.
Me and you, you and me
alone on Earth!
Ohhh… alone on Earth!
Athens was a knot in the throat
smog and routine and terrible stress.
Give me a cigarette, give me a light as well
my God, I’ll take you to the hot sandy beach.
The telephone rings, the island sinks away
and the dream scatters in the noise of the office.
I jump up drenched in sweat, you’re working and
laughing
I hear you, half-lost in a dream, singing the chorus.
Me and you, you and me
alone on Earth!
Ohhh… alone on Earth!
Keep learning Greek through music!
At Omilo, we believe that learning Greek is about much more than studying grammar and memorising vocabulary.
It is also about discovering the culture, understanding everyday expressions and enjoying the language as Greeks actually use it.
And music is one of the most enjoyable ways to do exactly that!
Καλή ακρόαση! – Enjoy listening!
Would you like to improve your Greek while discovering more about Greek music, traditions and culture?
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- Popular Greek songs with lyrics and English translations
- Extra Greek language exercises to practise your vocabulary and improve your Greek
Whether you are passionate about Greek music or simply looking for a fun and different way to practise the language,
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