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 laiko song "Sti Mayemeni Arapia" (Στη μαγεμένη Αραπιά), which was originally sung by Dimitris Roumeliotis and Nota Papanikolaou, then later recorded by Glykeria. 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 Dimitris Roumeliotis

Dimitris Roumeliotis and Nota Papanikolaou were the original artists for this song, recording it as a duet.

These biographical notes about Roumeliotis are based on an interview he did with Kosta Hondrou.

Roumeliotis was a great rebetiko singer who recorded over 100 songs. Unfortunately, he never achieved the level of fame and commerical success as other popular artists. Nevertheless, he was still highly respected and honored as a great artist in the genre.

Roumeliotis' parents were both from Asia Minor (the land mass where modern-day Turkey resides). They fled to Greece during the genocide of the early 20th century. In order for Roumeliotis' father to make it out alive, he needed to dress as a woman to disguise himself. Roumeliotis was born in Thessaloniki, Greece.

Roumeliotis began his professional career at age 17, playing at a venue in Thessaloniki. During the German occupation of Greece, the nightclubs were required to close at 10:00 p.m. due to curfew. One night, as he and a friend were walking home, they were stopped by some German Gestapo agents. He was holding his bouzouki, and his fingers accidentally moved on the strings, making the sound "gling gling". When the Germans heard this, they yelled “Mousik, Mousik” and let the musicians go.

After the end of World War II, when the Greek record companies began production again, Roumeliotis began releasing albums. Some of his compositions were recorded by other singers. After 1951, he recorded a number of songs by Giorgos Mitsakis, including the one in this translation.

In 1968, he moved to Canada. Initially, he planned to stay for only a short time, but one opportunity led to another and he continued to extend his stay. Eventually he brought his wife and daughter to Canada to make their home there. He died at the age of 91 in Montreal.

About Glykeria

Although Glykeria was not the original artist to record this song, her version of it has been very popular.

Glykeria Kotsoula is the sweetheart of Greece and one of the greatest legends of our time. She was born in 1953 in Serres, Greece. Her musical style is modern laika (rebetika & folk), while still always paying tribute to the great Rebetes of the past.

Panayiota, the translator of this song, offers this personal perspective on what Glykeria's music means to her:

Glykeria's music always has and always will inspire me both on and off the stage. I admire her simplicity and humility despite her fame and success. While most kids were learning standard lullabies, my mother would sing all her songs to me, since I was a baby. My mother Evangelia is a huge fan and loves singing her songs. On family road trips, my mother played all her tapes over and over again. Those cassette tapes are what made me fall in love with Laika/Rebetika style music at the age of ten. Thank you Glykeria, thank you Mama! Enjoy!

Most of Glykeria's records have gone platinum. She has gained fame and respect through out the world. Glykeria collaborates with many notable international musicians, including the Turkish living legend, Omar Farouk Tekbilek.

About Giorgos Mitsakis

Giorgos Mitsakis was the composer and lyricist for this song. He was born in Constantinople in 1921. His famliy relocated to Greece when he was a young child. His father wanted him to be a fisherman, but in 1937 he left home, eventually making his way to Piraeus. There he became a professional musician. After World War 2, he collaborated with prominent musicians, and soon he had achieved a level of fame.

About Eleftheria Arvanitaki

Eleftheria Arvanitaki, one of the singers who recorded this song, is a Greek folk singer known for singing rebetiko, laiko, and jazz musical styles. Born in 1957, she started her singing career as a member of the ensemble Opisthodromiki Kompania (Retrograde Company) that performed rebetiko music. She then spun off to launch a solo singing career in 1984 with an album that bore her name. She has toured extensively to perform at festivals and other live music events. Arvanitaki performed in the closing ceremony for the 2004 Summer Olympic Games in Athens.

Lyrics: Giorgos Mitsakis (also known as Karadouzeni)

Music: Giorgos Mitsakis (also known as Karadouzeni)

Original Artists: Dimitris Roumeliotis & Nota Papanikolaou (duet)

Has Also Been Sung By:

• Glykeria
• Eleftheria Arvanitaki

Στίχοι: Γιώργος Μητσάκης (Καραντουζένι)

Μουσική: Γιώργος Μητσάκης (Καραντουζένι)

Πρώτη εκτέλεση: Δημήτρης Ρουμελιώτης & Νοτα Παπανικολάου

Άλλοι Ερμηνευτές:

• Γλυκερία
• Ελευθερία Αρβανιτάκη

Greek Lyrics

Pronunciation

English Translation

Chorus

Chorus

Chorus

Instrumental Section

Instrumental Section

Instrumental Section

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.