Δεν σε θέλω πια - Σμυρνέϊκο / De se thelo pia - Traditional song of Greek Smyrna

Continuing our exploration of the songs of Greek Smyrna, Δεν σε θέλω πια, (I Don't Want You Anymore), is another of the most famous songs of Greek Smyrna, and a personal favourite. As with many of the songs of Greek Smyrna, it details a relationship between a man and a woman, and how this has gone awry as of late.

In its light-hearted and philosophical way, it describes how even though there still exists an attraction between the two people in the song, not even feminine wiles on the lady's part can save them, as the man is in love with another woman, a which fact he refers to without even batting an eyelid! 

This is a seemingly simplistic song which invites the listener to revel in its cheeky antics but which, below the surface, like all the songs of Greek Smyrna, is tremendously observant of human nature, and gives an insight into how the Greek people of Smyrna saw life in all its various spheres.

Eleftheria Arvanitaki - Tha Spaso Koupes: A Fine Example of a Smyrneiko Song

It is well-known that the Greek citizens of Smyrna were a people with inimitable views on life, love, cooking, philosophy, family and the arts, just for starters. THA SPASO KOUPES, performed in this version by famous Greek singer Eleftheria Arvanitaki, is one of the most famous Smyrneika songs, eloquently expressing the spirit and character of the Greeks of Smyrna in a breezy, light manner. It details how a young woman has exchanged harsh words with a man, and consequently breaks off their relationship. In spite of still harbouring some feelings for him, she has decided to extricate herself from her relationship with him, and take the experience in her stride. She indulges in dance, specifically the tsifteteli, to effectively remove, and cleanse this person from her consciousness. I sincerely hope you enjoy this song, and notice how its lyrics have stood the test of time, even after many years.

The Displacement of Smyrna Greeks in Greece expressed in song:ΤΙ ΣΕ ΜΕΛΕΙ ΕΣΕΝΑΝΕ

It is well-known that the Greeks of Smyrna were an eloquent people who openly expressed their feelings about life and love in general, and this was especially evident through the lyrics of the songs which they produced. This particular song, sung by renowned Greek singer Glykeria, expresses the disenchantment of Greek refugees from Smyrna with their treatment in Greece, encompassing the discrimination which the Greek Smyrnaeans faced from the Greek Hellenes, who were painted as being a people who, by and large, lacked compassion and consideration for the Greek Smyrnaeans.

The main message of the song is that the Greek Smyrnaeans sought acceptance in Greece as being equally as Greek, and were actually even more so, than the Greek Hellenes themselves in the vast majority of instances, and that their place of birth, being either Smyrna, Cordelio or elsewhere in Asia Minor, was no reason to label them as being less Greek than the Greek Hellenes. It was also no reason for them to be subjected to discrimination on the basis of where they were born.

The song also emphasises a longing on the part of the Greek Smyrnaeans for their ancestral homelands, where everything was familiar for them, and they were treated vastly differently before their forced departure. I hope you enjoy viewing this clip which says so much about the experience of Smyrnaean Greeks and other Asia Minor Greeks in a poignant, subtle, and bittersweet manner.

Ta Smyrneika Tragoudia

In these days of remembrance of the Greeks of Smyrna, there are certain songs which stand out for their sheer sincerity, and beauty. This particular song, performed by Pantelis Thalassinos, perfectly captures the spirit of Greek Smyrna, and evokes a gamut of emotions in the viewer, from sadness, anger, hope, and, finally, to a greater understanding, and appreciation of, the Greeks of Smyrna.