The Oath (Foivos Delivorias, 1995)

Foivos Delivorias

oivos Delivorias was born in Kallithea in 1973, one of the densest Athens neighboorhoods. His guitar teacher was Orfeas Peridis, an artist we haven't had the chance to present yet but we will certainly do so in the future. In 1989, 16-year-old Foivos meets Manos Hadjidakis to presenthim his unreleased songs. Manos is impressed and this meeting results to Foivos first album called "The parade". Six years later (1995) he releases with Sony his second album - clearly more mature than the first - "Life if beautiful, only this way". His first concerts to music halls and univeristy festivals come after his third release called "Mess" in 1998. Since that time he has recorded another 4 albums and perfomed at quite some music shows in Athenian music halls.

His music is easy listening. He easily swithces music styles (even within the same album) possibly because of his references that spread from Greek folk music to Hip hop and modern jazz. The lyrics of his songs (even from his very first album) are distinguished for the excellent use of the Greek language (speaking Greek is tough, but speaking correctly is almost impossible), the natural and "easy-looking" way he expresses complicated stuff, his imagination, politeness and his references.

Everyone appreciates his music but only ages 20-40 can listen to it. Google him or Youtube hime with "Φοίβος Δεληβοριάς" or "Foivos Delivorias".

Today’s song is from his second album, and it is a lover’s oath. A woman first, and then a man tie themselves beautifully.

The Oath

music, lyrics: Foivos Delivorias

vocals: Eleni Tsaligopoulou

"I swear on the cherry tree's dyed lips

that I'll build myself in the waves

that I'll build myself in the waves

if you leave me

I'll reap apart the kisses

I'll swallow the misfortunes

and alone I'll nail myself, my star

on the thorn of my sorrow..."

"And I swear on the sea

that if I leave you

I'll lie down on the sea shore

and as a writing I'll fade away

And my dust will be scattered

on all of the Earth from

so that it get into your eyes, my lovely

to cry with tears of mine..."

I Only Come With Ideas (Nicholas Asimos, 1987)

simos Nicholas was one of these guys they were appreciated long time after their death. He was born 3 months before the end of the Greek Civil War, in 1949, in Thessaloniki. He started his studies there on Philosophy right with the beggining of the 1967 military junta and little before its fall, he moved to Athens. He was recording songs to tapes which he has selling on the streets.

His songs are very sensitive and proud. "Marginalized" pretty much describes his way of life and his music. I copy from wiki the last paragraph:

In 1987 he was wrongfully accused for the rape of an ex-girlfriend and was forcibly led to a mental institution. Shortly after he was sent to Korydallos Prison and was later bailed out. He never managed to overcome his bitterness over this unfounded charge. The outstanding trial along with other personal problems affected his psychological state profoundly. After two failed attempts, he committed suicide by hanging on 17 March 1988 in his house which he used to call preparation area. It is rumoured that he kept a diary during the last 15 days of his life in which he describes his efforts to find something worth living for in his life. He marked the pages with an "X" which meant that he had not found anything worth living for. The 15th day was also marked with an "X" which is the day he hanged himself.

The following song is a monologue. Nicholas Asimos signs it together with Sotiria Leonardou (that you might remember from this old post). Not much to say about it. It's very famous and I think that it's one of his most representative songs. If you like it, look for more.

I only come with ideas [ Εγώ με τις ιδέες μου]

lyrics, music: Nicholas Asimos [Νικόλας Άσιμος]

vocals with Sotiria Leonardou

Illegal Tape No.000008, March 1987

Ι only come with ideas

you only come with money

I think you want it all yours, heads and tails

I don't need your small talk

neither knowing you at all

I'll punch you where it hurts

I won't let anyone to pay for me

I'll dub myself a knight and jedi

and if I sober up

I'll tell you a "goodbye"

Even gods may change their mind

when great need there is

I never played brave

when it comes to war

and neither a water gun

I have in my shack

I'll keep my way as far as it takes

I won't let anyone to pay for me

I will fire anyone that laughs on me

my pains gives birth

to a thousant truths

I hand it all prepared to you

but you want it all yours

your greed won't let you in peace

take your money and go

and neither with my small toe

I can compare your pride

You can't look me in the eyes

and you'll die without a past

You are a victim of law and order

you don't even know the reason

to conquer me.