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 "Gia Proti Fora" (Για Πρώτη Φορά), which was sung by Lefteris Pantazis. Also included is a pronunciation guide for the Greek lyrics so you can sing along if you like.

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 Song

Those of us from regions that speak Greek, Arabic, and Turkish have exchanged countless songs with each other through licensing the music and creating lyrics in our own languages. These include both current pop music and classics. The song translated on this page is an example of one – it originally appeared in Egypt as "Tamally Maak", sung by Amr Diab. The music used for the original Egyptian version was composed by Sherif Tag, with Arabic lyrics by Αhmed Ali Moussa.

The song was first released in 2000 by the renowned Egyptian singer, Amr Diab (Αμρ Ντίαμπ).

ABOUT THE PHOTO: The photo shows Amr Diab, the original Egyptian artist who popularized Habibi Ya Nour el Ain in 1996.

The Egyptian song "Tamally Maak" (Ταμαλλη Μαακ) came to Greece in 2002, released with Greek lyrics by Lefteris Pantazis.

I highly recommend this song for belly dancers who are accustomed to Turkish or Arabic music, and want to perform for Greeks. In fact, any song that you are able to find in both Greek/Arabic or Greek/Turkish will always be hit for the crowd and most importantly you. Why for you? It is the easiest way to transition into dancing for Greeks, by using songs that you already know and love. We have countless shared music, so you won't have a problem.

About Lefteris Pantazis

Lefteris Pantazis is the stage name for Eleftherios Pagozidis, who is of Anatolian Greek/Pontian heritage born in the former Soviet Union. Russia had welcomed thousands of Pontian surviving refugees in the early 20th century when they fled Turkey. He is known as one of the greatest laiko pop singers of our time. His songs are always hits. He has published 27 albums and 13 limited editions, of which 30 went on to become platinum. 

About Hlias Filippou

Hlias Filippou, sometimes spelled Ilias Filippou, wrote the Greek 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.

Greek Lyrics: Hlias Filippou

Music: Dimitris Stamatiou (Greek version)

Original Artist for Greek Version: Lefteris Pantazis

Album: Ya Proti Fora, CD Single

Has Also Been Recorded By:

• Amr Diab (in Arabic, as "Tamally Maak"), 2000
• Farshid Amin (in Farsi, as "Didi Goftam"), 2003
• Olga Ayvazyan (in Armenian, as "Vonc Heranam"), 2005
• Erkan Güleryüz (in Turkish as "Gönül Yarasi"), 2006
• Avraam Russo (in English/Arabic as "Pretty My Pretty"), 2006

Στίχοι: Ηλίας Φιλίππου (Αχμεντ Αλι Μουσσα)

Μουσική: Δημήτρης Σταματίου (Σεριφ Ταγκ)

Πρώτη Εκτέλεση: Ελευθέριος Παγκοζίδης (Λευτέρης Πανταζής)

Άλμπουμ: Για Πρώτη Φορά, CD Single

• Didi Goftam (As I Told You). By Farshid Amin.
• Gia Proti Fora (For the First Time). By Lefteris Pantazis.

• Tamally Maak (I Am With You). By Amr Diab.

• Den Se Xehno (I Don't Forget You). By Stamatis Gonidis. A Greek version of Amr Diab's "Kan Andak Haq".
• Gia Proti Fora (For the First Time). By Lefteris Pantazis. A Greek version of Amr Diab's "Tamally Maak".

• Mou Lipi (I Miss). By Ta Kaka Koritsia. A Greek version of Amr Diab's "Habibi Ya Nour el Ain."
• Zilia (Jealousy). By Keti Garbi. A Greek version of Amr Diab's "Kalast Feek Kol al Kalam".