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 "Alaxa" (Άλλαξα), which was sung by Nikos Vertis. Also included is a pronunciation guide for the Greek lyrics so you can sing along if you like.

For more information about the laiko and rebetiko styles of music, see Introduction to Laiko / Rebetiko Music elsewhere on this web site.

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 THE PHOTO: The photo shows Nikos Vertis, the original artist for this song.

About Nikos Vertis

Nikos Arvanitidis, also known by his stage name Nikos Vertis, was the original artist to perform this song. He is not only a singer, but also started playing the bouzouki at age 7. Vertis is a successful Greek diasporan born in the Netherlands to an Anatolian Greek family (Pontian parents). He not only sings laiko music, but he also performs several Pontian songs in his concerts.

Generally, anything Vertis releases becomes very successful, and Greeks appreciate his music not only in Greece, but also in the diaspora. He has also won the hearts of the Israeli people, has collaborated several times with Sarit Hadad of Israel, and is frequently invited to perform there in concert. His work also includes Arabic language cover songs that have become hits.

About Kyriakos Papadopoulos

Kiriakos Papadopoulos was the composer for this song. Born in 1971, he started taking music lessons at age 9, and launched his career as a musician at age 17. Today he is known internationally as a composer, performer, and producer, with his songs performed not only in Greece, but also in Turkey, Israel, and Bulgaria. Between 1995 and 2009 he released over 500 songs!

About Hlias Filippou

Hlias Filippou, sometimes spelled Ilias Filippou or Elias Philippou, wrote the lyrics for this song. He was born in 1959, and is credited with writing lyrics and composing music for nearly 200 songs throughout his career.

Lyrics: Hlias Filippou

Music: Kiriakos Papadopoulos

Original Artist: Nikos Vertis

Album: Alaxa, CD Single

Στίχοι: Ηλιάς Φιλίππου

Μουσική: Κυριάκος Παπαδόπουλος

Πρώτη Εκτέλεση: Νίκος Βέρτης

Άλμπουμ: Άλλαξα, CD Single

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.