Hello, dear Greek music enthusiasts!
Today, we embark on a lyrical journey with Ταξίδι (Journey), a soulful track by Μαρίνα Σπανού. This poignant piece captures the fleeting beauty of human connection, the melancholy of longing, and the timeless magic of Athens. Through poetic imagery and heartfelt melodies, Ταξίδι takes us on an emotional voyage where love and the city intertwine.
Let’s explore the story and meaning behind this evocative song, while immersing ourselves in its beautifully crafted lyrics.
A Poetic Journey Through the Streets of Athens
At its core, Ταξίδι tells the story of a chance encounter that leaves an indelible mark on the narrator. The song reflects on fleeting moments, the yearning for something just out of reach, and the ethereal beauty of a person who feels like a mystery.
Set against the backdrop of Athens, Ταξίδι invites listeners to stroll through the city’s neighborhoods, soaking in its nostalgia and vibrant charm.
Listen to the song below and follow along as we explore its poetic depth!
Exploring the Lyrics
| Greek Lyrics | English Translation |
|---|---|
| Σ’ένα αδιάφορο πάρτι | At an unremarkable party |
| στεκόσουν στην άκρη | You stood on the edge |
| μ’ένα τσιγάρο ανάμεσα στα χείλη | With a cigarette between your lips |
| Σαν να έψαχνες κάτι | As if you were searching for something |
| να σου μοιάζει με χάδι | That felt like a caress |
| στον κόσμο που δε μπορεί να σε κρατήσει | In a world that cannot hold you |
| Νομίζω πως κάπου σ’ έχω ξαναδεί | I think I’ve seen you somewhere before |
| το Παγκράτι μαζί σου θυμίζει μια εποχή | Pangrati with you reminds me of an era |
| που δεν έχω ζήσει | That I have never lived |
| Είπα μια μέρα θα μας κάνω μουσική | I said one day I’ll turn us into music |
| κι έτσι θα μείνουμε για πάντα ζωντανοί | And that’s how we’ll stay alive forever |
| στην πόλη μπλεγμένοι | Entwined in the city |
| Μα εσύ είσαι ταξίδι | But you are a journey |
| χωρίς προορισμό | Without a destination |
| κι εγώ θα σε περιμένω | And I will wait for you |
| μου αρκεί να περιμένω | It’s enough for me to wait |
| σε κάποιον σταθμό | At some station |
| Στην κίτρινη Αθήνα | In yellow Athens |
| περπατούσες σαν ποίημα | You walked like a poem |
| χαζεύοντας γάτες που μάθαν πως μεθάμε | Gazing at cats who’ve learned how we get drunk |
| Μα τώρα που ξημερώνει | But now that dawn is breaking |
| η μυρωδιά σε πληγώνει | The scent hurts you |
| κι εγώ στέκομαι εδώ, σε κοιτάζω να τρέχεις | And I stand here, watching you run |
| Για μέρη που δεν διαλέξανε εμάς | To places that didn’t choose us |
| στα μπαλκόνια της εφηβικής σου γειτονιάς | On the balconies of your adolescent neighborhood |
| τους φόβους να καπνίζεις | Smoking your fears |
| Ξέρω πως κοντά μου θα πονάς | I know that being near me will hurt |
| κι η διαδρομή της μοναξιάς | And the path of loneliness |
| δε σε λερώνει | Doesn’t stain you |
Verse 1: A Scene at the Edge
Σ’ ένα αδιάφορο πάρτι
(S’ éna adiáforo párti)
At an unremarkable party
στεκόσουν στην άκρη
(stekósun stin ákri)
You stood on the edge
μ’ένα τσιγάρο ανάμεσα στα χείλη
(m’éna tsigáro anámesa sta híli)
With a cigarette between your lips
σαν να έψαχνες κάτι
(san na épsachnes káti)
As if you were searching for something
να σου μοιάζει με χάδι
(na sou miázi me chádi)
That felt like a caress
στον κόσμο που δε μπορεί να σε κρατήσει
(ston kósmo pu the borí na se kratísi)
In a world that cannot hold you
This verse paints an intimate and haunting picture of a fleeting moment at a party, setting the tone for a deeper story of longing and displacement. The imagery of “ένα τσιγάρο” (a cigarette) and “κάτι να σου μοιάζει με χάδι” (something like a caress) evokes themes of fragility and the search for connection.
Chorus: A Journey Without Destination
Μα εσύ είσαι ταξίδι
(Ma esi íse taxídi)
But you are a journey
χωρίς προορισμό
(chorís proorismó)
Without a destination
κι εγώ θα σε περιμένω
(ki egó tha se periméno)
And I will wait for you
μου αρκεί να περιμένω
(mou arkí na periméno)
It’s enough for me to wait
σε κάποιον σταθμό
(se kápion stathmó)
At some station
The chorus captures the heart of the song’s longing: the narrator is willing to wait indefinitely for someone elusive. The metaphor of “σε κάποιον σταθμό” (at some station) underscores the transient and uncertain nature of this connection.
Verse 2: Walking Through Yellow Athens
Στην κίτρινη Αθήνα
(Stin kítrini Athína)
In yellow Athens
περπατούσες σαν ποίημα
(perpatúses san píima)
You walked like a poem
χαζεύοντας γάτες που μάθαν πως μεθάμε
(chazévontas gátes pu máthan pos metháme)
Gazing at cats who’ve learned how we get drunk
μα τώρα που ξημερώνει
(ma tóra pu ximeróni)
But now that dawn is breaking
η μυρωδιά σε πληγώνει
(i mirodhiá se pligóni)
The scent hurts you
κι εγώ στέκομαι εδώ, σε κοιτάζω να τρέχεις
(ki egó stékome edó, se kitázo na tréchis)
And I stand here, watching you run
This verse offers a vivid snapshot of Athens, turning the cityscape into a poetic backdrop. References to “κίτρινη Αθήνα” (yellow Athens) and “γάτες” (cats) add an intimate, almost surreal quality, contrasting with the emotional weight of the unfolding story.
Cultural Insights and Key Vocabulary
Το ταξίδι (to taxídi) – The Journey
Symbolizes not just physical travel but also emotional or existential quests, capturing the essence of life’s path.
Η Αθήνα (i Athína) – Athens
The capital of Greece, often romanticized in music as a symbol of memories and transformation.
Ο σταθμός (o stathmós) – The Station
Represents a place of waiting, transition, or pause, often signifying emotional crossroads.
Το πάρτι (to párti) – The Party
A gathering where contrasts emerge—joy mixed with loneliness, reflecting fleeting connections.
Το χάδι (to chádi) – The Caress
Represents affection, comfort, and emotional intimacy, often symbolizing a deeper longing.
Η γειτονιά (i yitoniá) – The Neighborhood
Embodies community, childhood memories, and belonging, a key part of Greek cultural identity.
Το μπαλκόνι (to balkóni) – The Balcony
Symbolizes contemplation, connection with the outside world, and moments of longing or reflection.
Η πόλη (i póli) – The City
Represents the complexity and beauty of urban life, with both chaos and intimate charm.
Η αναμονή (i anamoní) – The Waiting
The act of waiting, often laden with hope, anticipation, and quiet resilience.
Ο φόβος (o fóvos) – The Fear
Symbolizes human vulnerability, often explored in songs as a contrast to courage and hope.
Conclusion
Ταξίδι is a beautiful song that captures the bittersweet nature of fleeting moments and the lasting power of emotions. By diving into its lyrics and their deeper meanings, you can gain a richer understanding of the Greek language, culture, and the universal desire for connection.
Have you heard this song before? What do you think about its message? If you have any other Greek songs you’d like me to explore, I’d love to hear from you! Let’s continue uncovering their beauty and meaning together.
And before you go, take a moment to listen to this alternate version of the song by Χρήστος Καραβίνης (Christos Karabinis) embedded below. It offers a unique take on the original, and I’m sure you’ll enjoy it!
Have fun!
