Tuesday 20 September 2016

Sotiria Bellou: Two Greek Songs (of Life and Death)



Two extraordinary Greek songs interpreted by Sotiria Bellou.

Δυο πορτες εχει η ζωη

Μην κλαις - Σωτηρία Μπέλλου


Some friends came round for a meal the other day. Afterwards we played a few of our favourite rebetika songs. The first song I chose; the second one (more entechno-laiko than rebetiko), our friend requested.

Both deeply sad songs, in terms of their lyrics, but stoic and defiant - at the same time fatalistic and bravely accepting of  suffering, poverty and the human condition generally.

Inappropriate songs, perhaps, for a happy and jolly birthday celebration, but that's the Greek spirit!

Life may have two doors - everything may seem to be one big lie - you can curse and lament the harshness of life - but don't cry!

In spite of himself, his chosen song reduced our guest to tears. Spontaneous, irrepressible empathy.




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