The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #95731   Message #1864651
Posted By: George Papavgeris
20-Oct-06 - 06:38 PM
Thread Name: A new Rebetiko in both English & Greek
Subject: Lyr Add: AN EMIGRANT'S REBETIKO (George Papavgeris
Indeed - snap, Kevin! While we're at it, here are the (English) lyrics:

AN EMIGRANT'S REBETIKO - George Papavgeris, October 2006

The time is coming soon when I should be deciding
Whether for good here to remain, or move away;
For from a friend like you there is no point in hiding,
I have some reasons to leave here, and some to stay.
That such a day would come for me I always knew it;
Ever since I left home to find my fortune here.
And hand on heart I have to own up that I blew it
And cannot make my mind up now which way to steer.

Though many homes I had, for me each place is alien,
And though familiar, every sight and smell is wrong;
Where Father Thames flows into the Mediterranean,
And eucalyptus fills the air, there I belong.

It is no good to say that home is where the heart is,
Not when the heart itself is torn so many ways.
If I could swing it, I would buy the Doctor's Tardis
And I would visit times and places all my days.
For heart's capacity for love is never-ending.
The more you love the more you fall to others' spells;
And soon enough you find it is no use pretending:
Wherever you may be, you wish for somewhere else

Though many homes I had, for me each place is alien,
And though familiar, every sight and smell is wrong;
Where Father Thames flows into the Mediterranean,
And eucalyptus fills the air, there I belong.

So for my problem now I know there's no solution
And you can't help me, though in this you played your part;
My crime is heavy and there is no absolution,
For I allowed no borders to control my heart.
It is a curse that's not my own but shared by many,
Who chose like me to let their hearts too far to roam.
So when you ask to hear my thoughts now for a penny,
Ask me instead how many miles from here to home.

Though many homes I had, for me each place is alien,
And though familiar, every sight and smell is wrong;
Where Father Thames flows into the Mediterranean,
And eucalyptus fills the air, there I belong.