Hello, my dear Greek music enthusiasts!
Today, we’re going to explore one of my favorite songs at the moment. A song I keep playing on repeat and although the lyrics are somewhat sorrowful, the beat is… somewhat optimistic.
So, what song am I talking about? Se periptosi pou by Anna Vissi (well, as I have already revealed in the title). If you are a bit familiar with Greek music, I’m almost certain you already know the biggest pop star in Greece. If not, here’s your chance to discover her through this beautiful song!
And apart from being beautiful, this song is also perfect for learners because it blends emotions with simple catchy phrases that work for all levels.
But shall we start?
Discover Se Periptosi Pou Through My TikTok
To get a feel for the song, you can watch the video I made on Tik Tok where I translate part of the lyrics.
Did you like it?
Now let’s look at the lyrics by translating every Greek word into English. You will see how Greeks can express big emotions with simple and easy phrases that you can easily learn.
Exploring the Lyrics: Greek and English
| Greek Lyrics | English Translation |
|---|---|
| Μη στεναχωριέσαι, δε φταις | Don’t be upset, it’s not your fault |
| Κρατάω τις καλές μας στιγμές | I hold on to our good moments |
| Τα χρόνια της συνήθειας πολλά | So many years of habit |
| Μισοκατεβασμένα ρολά | Half-lowered shutters |
| Η αγάπη πονάει, πονάει βαθιά | Love hurts, it hurts deeply |
| Ας μην συζητάμε άλλο γι’ αυτά | Let’s not talk about this anymore |
| Πίσω απ’ τη γλάστρα με το γιασεμί | Behind the pot with the jasmine |
| Ξέρεις που (ξέρεις που) | You know where (you know where) |
| Θα ’ναι εκεί τα κλειδιά του σπιτιού | The house keys will be there |
| Σε περίπτωση που | In case |
| Θέλεις ξανά να ’ρθεις | You want to come back again |
| Κι έχει πάψει η καρδιά σου να χτυπάει αλλού | And your heart has stopped beating elsewhere |
| Μη το σκεφτείς, μη ντραπείς | Don’t think twice, don’t feel ashamed |
| Ό, τι κι αν χρειαστείς, ό, τι κι αν σου συμβεί | Whatever you need, whatever happens to you |
| Να θυμάσαι καλά, τα κλειδιά του σπιτιού | Remember well, the house keys |
| Θα ’ναι πάντα εκεί, σε περίπτωση που | They’ll always be there, just in case |
| Να προσέχεις όπου κι αν πας | Take care wherever you go |
| Όσο για μένα μη χολοσκάς | As for me, don’t worry |
| Θα είμαι εντάξει, είμαι σκληρή | I’ll be fine, I’m tough |
| Είναι ακόμα φρέσκια η πληγή | The wound is still fresh |
| Η αγάπη πονάει, πονάει βαθιά | Love hurts, it hurts deeply |
| Ας μη συζητάμε άλλο γι’ αυτά | Let’s not talk about this anymore |
| Πίσω απ’ τη γλάστρα με το γιασεμί | Behind the pot with the jasmine |
| Ξέρεις που (ξέρεις που) | You know where (you know where) |
| Θα ’ναι εκεί τα κλειδιά του σπιτιού | The house keys will be there |
| Σε περίπτωση που | In case |
| Θέλεις ξανά να ’ρθεις | You want to come back again |
| Κι έχει πάψει η καρδιά σου να χτυπάει αλλού | And your heart has stopped beating elsewhere |
| Μη το σκεφτείς, μη ντραπείς | Don’t think twice, don’t feel ashamed |
| Ό, τι κι αν χρειαστείς, ό, τι κι αν σου συμβεί | Whatever you need, whatever happens to you |
| Να θυμάσαι καλά τα κλειδιά του σπιτιού | Remember well the house keys |
| Θα ’ναι πάντα εκεί, σε περίπτωση που | They’ll always be there, just in case |
| Μη με κοιτάς | Don’t look at me |
| Δε θέλω άλλο μπροστά σου να κλαίω | I don’t want to cry in front of you anymore |
| Ξέρω πως, σου τέλειωσε για πάντα | I know yours is over for good |
| Να έτσι το λέω, σε περίπτωση που | I’m just saying it… in case |
| Θέλεις ξανά να ’ρθεις | You want to come back again |
| Κι έχει πάψει η καρδιά σου να χτυπάει αλλού | And your heart has stopped beating elsewhere |
| Μη το σκεφτείς, μη ντραπείς | Don’t think twice, don’t feel ashamed |
| Ό, τι κι αν χρειαστείς, ό, τι κι αν σου συμβεί | Whatever you need, whatever happens to you |
| Να θυμάσαι καλά, τα κλειδιά του σπιτιού | Remember well, the house keys |
| Θα ’ναι πάντα εκεί, σε περίπτωση που | They’ll always be there, just in case |
| Σε περίπτωση που | Just in case |
The Meaning Behind Σε Περίπτωση Που
A Soft Goodbye That Isn’t Really a Goodbye
The song clearly talks about a goodbye, but a silent one. She accepts that the relationship is over but leaves a piece of herself behind, just in case… (σε περίπτωση που…). The keys behind the jasmine plant. And the keys say it all. Leave if you must, but return if you want.
Fun fact: Vissi has dedicated this song to her daughter.
Why This Song is Ideal for Learning Greek with Music
Σε Περίπτωση Που is perfect for you if you want to learn Greek through music and here’s why:
- You’ll hear everyday expressions like μη χολοσκάς and να θυμάσαι καλά that Greeks actually use in real life.
- You’ll learn emotional vocabulary about love, longing, and forgiveness. Words you can use in Greek to express yourself.
- The song repeats simple structures so you can memorize and practice them naturally.
- Anna Vissi sings slowly and clearly which makes it easire for you to follow along and work on your pronunciation.
Listen the Full Song
The Last Note
Σε Περίπτωση Που is a gentle, powerful song about love that lingers and the quiet hope of return. By following along with the lyrics, translation, and vocabulary, you can learn Greek with music in a way that’s practical, memorable, and deeply cultural.
Whether you’re a beginner or brushing up on your Greek, songs like this make learning feel natural and emotionally engaging.
And if you have a favorite Greek song you’d like to explore, leave it in the comments!
I’ll break it down and help you learn Greek through music.
Key Vocabulary
Here are some useful words from the song with their articles.
Try to spot them in the song and say them out loud.
It’s a great way to practice and remember them!
Η γειτονιά (i yitoniá) – Neighborhood
Το γιασεμί (to yiasemí) – Jasmine
Τα κλειδιά (ta klidiá) – Keys
Η πληγή (i pliyí) – Wound
Μη χολοσκάς (mi choloskás) – don’t worry
Η αγάπη (i agápi) – Love
Το σκοτάδι (to skotádi) – Darkness
Ο καημός (o kaimós) – Deep sorrow / heartache
Το παράπονο (to parápono) – Complaint / grievance
Η καρδιά (i kardiá) – Heart
Η αγκαλιά (i agaliá) – Hug
Το δάκρυ (to dákri) – Tear
Ο έρωτας (o érotas) – Romantic love / Passion
Ο στεναγμός (o sténagmos) – A sigh
Η λαχτάρα (i lachtára) – Yearning
Το φεγγάρι (to feggári) – Moon
Η μοίρα (i míra) – Fate
Το όνειρο (to óniro) – Dream
Το βλέμμα (to vlémma) – Gaze
Η ψυχή (i psychí) – Soul
Το πάθος (to páthos) – Passion
Η σκιά (i skiá) – Shadow
Η ανάσα (i anása) – Breath
