Hello, dear Greek music enthusiasts!
Today, we dive into the vibrant world of modern Greek music with Θέλω να Γυρίσω, a nostalgic anthem by Γιώργος Μαζωνάκης in collaboration with the hip-hop group Goin’ Through. This song beautifully blends traditional Greek sentiments with contemporary beats, creating an emotional bridge between the past and the present.
A Nostalgic Anthem of Greek Neighborhoods
The song Θέλω να Γυρίσω takes listeners on a journey back to the neighborhoods and carefree days of youth. Through a blend of soulful vocals and rap interludes, it captures the essence of community, friendship, and growing up in Greece.
Watch the video below to experience this iconic song, then follow along as we explore the lyrics and their deeper meanings!
Exploring the Lyrics
| Greek Lyrics | English Translation |
|---|---|
| Έβαλα για πρώτη μου φορά | I placed, for the very first time |
| Κάποιο στοίχημα μεγάλο | Some kind of big bet |
| Πως εκεί που μεγαλώσαμε | That where we grew up |
| Έχουμε μάθει κάτι άλλο | We’ve learned something different |
| Έχουμε μάθει από το σχολείο | We’ve learned from school |
| Όχι μόνο να μετράμε | Not just how to count |
| Τα παιδιά στη γειτονιά μου | The kids in my neighborhood |
| Έχουνε μάθει ν’ αγαπάνε | Have learned how to love |
| Αν ακούσεις κάποιες φωνές | If you hear some voices |
| Σάββατο βράδυ μες στα όνειρά σου | On Saturday night in your dreams |
| Τότε θυμήσου την πλατεία | Then remember the square |
| Στη παλιά τη γειτονιά σου | In your old neighborhood |
| Ή την αλάνα με τις πέτρες | Or the open lot with the stones |
| Λίγο πιο πάνω απ’ τη Θηβών | A little further up from Thivon Street |
| Αυτή που τώρα έχει γίνει | That has now become |
| Εργοστάσιο παιχνιδιών | A toy factory |
| Θυμάμαι κι άλλα πολλά ταξίδια | I remember many other journeys |
| Και την καλύτερη κρυψώνα | And the best hiding spot |
| Με τα ποδήλατα κρυφά απ’ την | With bicycles, secretly |
| Αγία Βαρβάρα στη Δραπετσώνα | From Agia Varvara to Drapetsona |
| Στον Αϊ Διονύση έχω μεθύσει | At Ai Dionysi, I got drunk |
| Με δύο φίλους μία Τετάρτη | With two friends on a Wednesday |
| Για μια γκόμενα καλή | For a girl who seemed good |
| Που τελικά μου βγήκε σκάρτη | But turned out to be bad |
| Μεγαλώνω και ξεχνώ | I grow up and forget |
| Μόνο τους κακούς ανθρώπους | Only the bad people |
| Όσους μιλούσαν με βρισιές | Those who spoke with insults |
| Γιατί ποτέ δε μάθαν τρόπους | Because they never learned manners |
| Μα ποτέ μου δε ξεχνώ | But I never forget |
| Την παλιά τη γειτονιά μου | My old neighborhood |
| Γιατί στο παγκάκι της πλατείας | Because on the bench in the square |
| Έχω χαράξει τα όνειρά μου | I have carved my dreams |
| Θέλω να γυρίσω στα παλιά (εδώ και τώρα) | I want to return to the old times (here and now) |
| Θέλω την παλιά μου γειτονιά (για μία ώρα) | I want my old neighborhood (for just an hour) |
| Θέλω να γυρίσω να σε βρώ | I want to return and find you |
| Ένα βράδυ είναι αρκετό | One night is enough |
| Πάω μια βόλτα στα παλιά | I take a walk to the past |
| Στη Νίκαια στην Κοκκινιά | In Nikaia, in Kokkinia |
| Θα πιώ κρασί και θα μεθύσω | I’ll drink wine and get drunk |
| Στον Πειραιά θα ξενυχτήσω | I’ll stay up all night in Piraeus |
| Μεγάλωσα νοστάλγησα | I grew up and felt nostalgia |
| Αυτά που πίσω άφησα | For the things I left behind |
| Καρδιά μου είσαι μόνη | My heart, you’re alone |
| Το βράδυ αυτό με λιώνει | This night is breaking me |
| Θέλω να γυρίσω στα παλιά | I want to return to the old times |
| Θέλω την παλιά μου γειτονιά | I want my old neighborhood |
| Θέλω να γυρίσω να σε βρώ | I want to return and find you |
| Ένα βράδυ είναι αρκετό | One night is enough |
Verse 1: The Stakes of Nostalgia
Έβαλα για πρώτη μου φορά
(Évala gia próti mou forá)
I placed, for the very first time
Κάποιο στοίχημα μεγάλο
(Kápoio stícheema megálo)
Some kind of big bet
Πως εκεί που μεγαλώσαμε
(Pós ekí pou megalósame)
That where we grew up
Έχουμε μάθει κάτι άλλο
(Échume máthei káti állo)
We’ve learned something different
The song opens with a reflective tone, setting the stage for a story about returning to roots. The phrase “εκεί που μεγαλώσαμε” (where we grew up) evokes the universal longing for childhood simplicity and the values we learned there.
Chorus: The Longing for the Old Neighborhood
Θέλω να γυρίσω στα παλιά (εδώ και τώρα)
(Thélo na yiríso sta paliá [edó kai tóra])
I want to return to the old times (here and now)
Θέλω την παλιά μου γειτονιά (για μία ώρα)
(Thélo tin paliá mu gitoniá [gia mía óra])
I want my old neighborhood (for just an hour)
Θέλω να γυρίσω να σε βρώ
(Thélo na yiríso na se vró)
I want to return and find you
Ένα βράδυ είναι αρκετό
(Éna vrádi íne arketó)
One night is enough
The chorus is a powerful declaration of yearning. Words like “γειτονιά” (neighborhood) and “παλιά” (old times) emphasize the strong connection Greeks often feel toward their local communities and the memories tied to them.
Verse 2: Childhood Adventures and Memories
Θυμάμαι κι άλλα πολλά ταξίδια
(Thimáme ki álla pollá taxídia)
I remember many other journeys
Και την καλύτερη κρυψώνα
(Kai tin kaliteri kripsóna)
And the best hiding spot
Με τα ποδήλατα κρυφά απ’την
(Me ta podílata krifá ap’tin)
With bicycles, secretly
Αγία Βαρβάρα στη Δραπετσώνα
(Agía Varvára sti Drapetsóna)
From Agia Varvara to Drapetsona
This verse vividly recalls the carefree adventures of youth, filled with playful secrets and exploration. References to places like Agia Varvara and Drapetsona ground the song in real locations, connecting personal memories to a shared cultural landscape.
Cultural Insights and Key Vocabulary
Γειτονιά (yitoniá) – Neighborhood
Greek neighborhoods are often the heart of community life, filled with memories of playing in the streets and forming lifelong friendships.
Παλιά (paliá) – Old times
This word reflects not just a time period but also a sentimental attachment to the simplicity and warmth of the past.
Νοσταλγία (nostalyía) – Nostalgia
A Greek word adopted into many languages, it perfectly encapsulates the bittersweet yearning for something lost but cherished.
Πλατεία (platía) – Square
In Greek culture, the town square is often a hub of social activity and memory-making.
A Song That Speaks Across Generations
While deeply rooted in Greek experiences, Θέλω να Γυρίσω transcends cultural boundaries, evoking a universal longing for one’s roots. The combination of Μαζωνάκης’ emotive voice and Goin’ Through’s modern rap style makes this song relatable to listeners of all ages.
Tips for Language Learners
Listening to this song is an excellent way to:
- Learn Vocabulary: Familiarize yourself with words related to memory and community.
- Practice Pronunciation: The mix of rap and melodic singing offers varied pacing to practice with.
- Experience Culture: Discover the warmth and significance of local neighborhoods in Greek culture.
Conclusion
Θέλω να Γυρίσω by Γιώργος Μαζωνάκης and Goin’ Through is more than just a nostalgic anthem—it’s a heartfelt tribute to childhood memories, old neighborhoods, and the bittersweet longing for the past. By diving into the lyrics and their meaning, we not only connect with the song’s emotions but also gain a deeper appreciation for Greek culture and language.
If you have a favorite Greek song you’d like to explore, feel free to leave it in the comments! I’d be happy to translate it for you and help uncover its meaning!
