Ataris

Άταρης

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Songs οf Asia Minor

Lyrics

I vowed to the Holy Virgin
not to sing again.
Ataris!
But for your sake
I will break the vow.
Four!
Once again four black eyes
got up to dance.
Ataris!
Four eyebrows like silken cords,
two cool, fresh bodies.
Four!

Translated by Mania Seferiades

Original Lyrics

Άταρης

Όρκο ’καμα στην Παναγιά — ωχ αμάν, σεβνταλή μ’, αμάν,
πια να μην τραγουδήσω — άταρης, αμάν αμάν, άταρης.
Μα ’γώ για το χατίρι σας — ωχ αμάν, σεβνταλή μ’, αμάν,
τον όρκο θα πατήσω — τέσσερις, αμάν αμάν, τέσσερις.
Πάλιν εβγήκαν στον χορό τέσσερα μαύρα μάτια,
τέσσερα γαϊτανόφρυδα και δυο κορμιά δροσάτα.

Region: Asia Minor
Type: Couplets
Category: Love Song
Rhythm: 4 beats
Duration: 02:49

Recording information

Studio recording (1984). Based on Domna Samiou’s 1977 field recording of the song in Nea Erythraea, Attica, sung by Kleoniki Tzoanaki.


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Ataris

Kleoniki Tzoanaki. Nea Erythraea, Attica 1977

© Domna Samiou Archive

The same song, by Kleoniki Tzoanaki (TV program Musical Travelogue with Domna Samiou – Asia Minor)

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Ataris

Kleoniki Tzoanaki. Nea Erythraea, Attica 1977

© Domna Samiou Archive


Watch a different version of the song by Domna Samiou

Discography

See also