Flame On: Protest Songs From Greece
The economic turmoil in Greece — and the severe spending cuts that followed — sparked massive demonstrations over this past summer and into fall. And, as is often the case, this movement came with a soundtrack.
In an interview, music critic Maria Paravantes from Athens, Greece, walks All Things Considered host Robert Siegel through a few of the songs that have given voice to Greek frustration and anger this year. The common thread throughout is that the music being used today isn't new at all, but instead dates back almost four decades — one even back to Greek poet Georgios Souris 100 years ago. You can listen to the conversation by clicking the audio link above, and hear the songs below.
Flame On: Protest Songs From Greece
"Siga Mi Klapso" by Yiannis Aggelakas
YouTubeKey lyric: "They tell me I'm too small to change things / No, I won't cry, I won't be afraid."
"Lost Kids" by Dagobah System feat. Razastarr
YouTube"Tous eho varethi" by Ypogeia Revmata
YouTubeKey lyric: "And what would we lose without all of those, the Germans, the professors, who would know much more if they didn't fill their stomachs, cowardly nine-to-fivers, portly servants / I'm sick and tired of them all."
"Flame On" by Soul System
YouTubeKey lyric: "We're ready to pave the way / We can react."
"To tragoudi tis Plateias" (The Song of the Square) by Vassilis Papakonstantinou
YouTubeKey lyric: "And while they [the government] rob you in broad daylight, the thief they look to find."
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