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 "Skliri Kardia" (), which was sung by Sarbel. 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 this 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 "Nari Narain", sometimes referred to as "Habibi Dah", popularized by Hisham Abbas.

Greeks and people in present-day Arabic-speaking countries have been living among each other for thousands of years. Many were Greeks kept their Greek heritage alive within Greek enclaves while speaking Arabic in public, others acquired mixed language skills through marriage, etc. It is only natural that some Greek songs are bilingual with some Arabic words.

ABOUT THE PHOTO: The singer in the photo is Hisham Abbas, the Egyptian artist who is known for recording the Arabic lyrics of this song, "Nari Narain".

"Nari Narain's" lyricist was Ayman Bahjat Qamar (Αιμαν Μπαχτσατ Καμαρ) and the music was written by Riad Al Hamshari (Ριαντ Aλ Χαμσαρι). It was released in 2000, on the album called Habibi Dah. Its lyrics contain both Arabic and Hindu segments.

About Sarbel

Sarbel was the original musician to release this Egyptian song with these Greek lyrics. He was born in England to immigrant parents: his mother is Lebanese, and his musician father is a Greek Cypriot.

Sarbel majored in musical theater and dance. He represented Greece in the Eurovision music competition in 2007.

Lyrics: Eleni Yianatsoulia

Music: Riad Al Hamshari

Original Greek Artist: Sarbel Mixail Maronitis

Dance: Belly dancing

Album: Paraxeno Sinesthima (Weird Feeling)

Τραγούδι: Σκληρή Καρδιά, 2005

Στίχοι: Ελένη Γιαννατσούλια

Μουσική: Ριαντ Aλ Χαμσαρι

Πρώτη Εκτέλεση: Σαρμπέλ Μιχαήλ Μαρωνίτης

Συμμετέχουν: Ειρήνη Μερκούρη

Άλμπουμ: Παράξενο Συναίσθημα