Eurovision 1976 - Greece

[avasslavabit]

Η Μαρίζα Κωχ πάντρεψε το παραδοσιακό ηπειρώτικο μοιρολόι με σύγχρονα μουσικά μοτίβα, τραγουδώντας για τη μεγαλύτερη τραγωδία της νεώτερης ελληνικής Ιστορίας. Μίλησε για βόμβες ναπάλμ, για φρεσκοσκαμμένους τάφους, για τα αντίσκηνα της προσφυγιάς. για όσα λεπτά η Μαρίζα Κωχ τραγουδούσε σε απ'ευθείας μετάδοση για την καμμένη και χαμένη κυπριακή γη, η τουρκική TRT πρόβαλε ένα σύντομο βίντεο με έναν ..εξίσου 'πολιτικό' .. χορό της κοιλιάς (!)

[prospero7177]

a very deep and emotional song, poetic and political. such an inspiring performance. the jazz ending is a wonderful surprise. a classic!

[evarlam]

Few know that she is German from her father - a Wehrmacht soldier executed by the Nazis in 1944. The fact is that she had the guts and unlimited love to her beloved country (the country of her mother) to stand up and protest for the Turkish atrocities of 1974. There was information by the Dutch police that there was a turkish sniper threatening to shoot her on stage. Marisa knew it but insisted to go out and sing. A great true GREEK, serving faithfully the Greek music tradition until now.

[janettwinkle]

I loved this song when I heard it in 1976 and still cannot believe it lost out to our UK entry by the Brotherhood of Man. What a wonderful performance from this beautiful lady and very talented singer. Is she still performing? I wish she had become popular here in the UK. Can we still buy her records? This is the type of song the Eurovision contest should have aspired to. Instead it has gone downhill fast.

[jeroenvdb1983]

I think the importance of songs like these is that they do not shift blames, but merely state the overall unnecessary and painful destruction that war has on a country and its people. Quarelling about who is to blame does no justice to the essence of this song: a hymn to the Isle of Cyprus, a hymn against war and a constant reminder that peace is a great good that we always need to aim for.

[TheNTC84]

20th July 1974... Never fails to make me cry no matter how many times I've heard this song over the years. I'm off to Cyprus on Thursday and decided to listen to this whilst packing. As an Irishman I know what it's like for your home to be a divided land. Perhaps that's why this song rouses such powerful emotions in me. Turkey must end the illegal occupation immediately and end 36 years of human rights abuses. God bless the Greeks! Oh and great vocals Mariza :O)

[tasosk3]

@TheNTC84 Wonderfully said.

[MrEurocat]

@tasosk3 Not wonderfully said if your Northern Irish who CHOOSE to remain to be BRITISH. maybe, you IRISH who claim that an island should be "pure" call Portugal to get out of the Iberian peninsula. And Tasos, if your Greek gov hadnt been wimps then maybe the Turkish would be kicked out. You played your part very well too.........its easy to be the martyr

[MrEurocat]

@MrEurocat Ans sometimes, reading between the lines, is very insightful

[tasosk3]

@MrEurocat Well, I won't try to get into Northern Irish politics (part because I don't know that much, and partly because the last thing I'd want is to cause a fight between you and a certain Irish friend). But I assure you, I also don't want to play martyr - in fact, I completely agree about our govs being complete wimps about this whole issue, and even playing a part in it (an even bigger one than you think, actually - read about the history of the invasion to find out).

[MrEurocat]

@TheNTC84 I notice your residence is now the United Kingdom - biting the hand that feeds.

[MrEurocat]

@MrEurocat And please, if you think the whole of Ireland should be Irish - get back home & live there. You are not wanted here.

[TheNTC84]

@MrEurocat London born and bred. Stating Ireland is divided is a statement of fact; nothing more and nothing less. However, as in Cyprus it is futile to offer simplistic arguments such as "Turks go home" or "Brits go home". In 36 years since occupation some 120,000 Turkish soldiers have taken up residence along with over 100,000 Turkish civilian settlers. In Ireland you are talking of 8 centuries. Hence you cannot wind back the clocks; those like the IRA or R-IRA who espouse that are churlish.

[TheNTC84]

@TheNTC84 The solution in Cyprus is likely to follow the Annan plan of 2004 i.e. military occupation ends; a two state solution with a single federal government. Greek Cypriots get compensation for the loss of title deeds to lands in the North & trade links & movement of people between North & South flow freely. You cannot simply uproot the 100,000+ settlers. In N Ireland, Republicans & Loyalists need to work on THEIR OWN state & stop harping to "the Queen" or "Róisín Dubh" as external mantras

[MrEurocat]

@TheNTC84 I totally agree!

[brethynda123]

@TheNTC84

You heard this in 1974?

[TheNTC84]

@brethynda123 Don't be ridiculous. This song was first recorded in 1976 two years after the invasion. All I am stating is that this song reflects the events of July 1974 when the Greek, French and British guarantors of the island ignored the invasion of an illegal occupying force.

[repas76]

Tοσο ωραιο τραγουδι στα αζητητα...αυτο σημαινει τα εξης:που μας εχουν γραμμενοι οι ξενοι(γιατι το θεμα ηταν επικαιρο) και το επιπεδο της eurovision με το νικητηριο τραγουδι...ουστ!!!!!

[stephenofheaven]

This is an all time stand out song in my experience. I go along with all the other comments but the way she ended the song and took the applause was one of the most dramatic parts I remember

[comeinnorway]

Without being accused of being overly political in relation to the Cypriot situation.

I am sure the words of this song are written on the hearts of people involved in many conflicts around the world.

Regardless of the rights and wrongs there are always innocent victims.

I think it speaks to me as a Northern Irish person as much as it a cypriot.

It isn't an easy song to listen to in the same way as Fredi and Friends and Brotherhood of Man but it is compelling all the same.

[johny7even]

:))). agree :p

[johny7even]

does she look like you? hehehe, i m teasing you, hope you dont get offended :))))

[leonithe]

Taso, tears come to my eyes when I see this clip and think of what Greece-and Greeks-were capable of; but I use this phrase in the past tense.

Now, you clearly have an excellent knowledge of Eurovision-which, I must say, really impresses-so I ask you: if we accept that Greece's songs over the past decade have been entertaining but ultimately meaningless...where is the next generation of her cultural warriors, willing to fearlessly make the big, bold statement? Will we ever see another Mariza?!

[MrEurocat]

Mary Hopkins on steroids!

However, too good for eurovision !!!! (if slightly imperfect vocally)

[krank027]

Our best entry-EVER.

[kirkwallboy]

Yes. The finest song to have been entered by any country, ever.

[1978christos]

Τέτοια λεβέντρα νεράιδα....δεν ξαναβγαίνει...

[ilcielo]

Awesome!!! Pure artism... the best of 1976 outstandingg!!!!!!

[liberalses]

very very good song...

[wre2wre2]

One of the best songs EVER!!!!!!

like: Mia Martini - Rapsodia - Italy 1992

[jaxlarus]

Brings tears to my eyes.

Every single time.

[ver4live]

Thanks France. You demonstrated that you love Greece and Cyprus. 8 points from France. Yugoslavia and Spain did not feel anythink about the Cypriot pain. Also, Israel which experienced many wars.

[Zeetana]

Maybe because it is a SONG contest and we, or the juries, should NOT vote based on political reasons, war or no war.

That said, I liked this song and I had no idea what she was singing about.

[ver4live]

I know that it is a song contest and I wonder how juries did not vote the greek song which reffered to refugees, the cypriot war and the lost of everything. By comparison, juries voted other songs titled 'one two three'. Also, the greek singer had better voice than other singers.

[stefanosmas]

θα επιστρεψουν και οι προσφυγες στον τοπο τους! Η Μεγαλοχαρη θα φροντισει! «Ταίς πρεσβείαις της Θεοτόκου, Σώτερ σώσον ημάς».

[spirus1986]

great song by a great performer...

[MusicalLover2009]

cyprus did not vote for them iwsmakie because they did not participate. and just as an information to you, this song was dedicated to cyprus, because a year before cyprus suffered from the turkish invasion to the island. The lyrics talk about it.

[Jannisadam]

This voice was really ideal! It rocks my soul...one of the best songs ever written about what the war may cause to humanity! And as you already have mentioned, it was so smart not to mention any names at all! Thank you Mariza Koch!

[Glyndwr65]

Easily the best song in that year's contest - by miles.

[Remigius33]

I loved this song , and I have not forgot it ´till today.

[yra6003]

MPROSTA APO THN EPOXH TOY

[toinoou03]

The most beautiful song performed for Greece. It always upsets me ! Mariza has a unique power and the lyrics are very beautiful as it only deals with the destructions and the lost heaven, without ever giving a name or a responsible, that's why it's a universal song ! I also do love Greece and I think it's one of the best country in the contest along with the brilliant UK, Ireland and our France (lol) but Greece has some gold like that. So thank you very much Greece ! And Peace everywhere !

[kirkwallboy]

I live in the Orkney Islands, Scotland. I had a very crude tape recorder which I got as a present in 1974. Duly recorded the 1975 and 1976 Eurovisions on it, mic precariously sellotaped on top of the (black and white) tv. In 1976, and ever since, this song has stood out. I found out much later (2007) about the politics. I ain't much of a politician. The beauty and power of this song stands, though, forever.

[lwsmackie4]

Without a doubt , a statement song. However, a critque, she struggles with it on some occasions & just before the end she makes some strange sounds... BUT a very good entry indeed. Be nice to see the translated lyrics

[TheNTC84]

@lwsmackie4 Here are the lyrics in English: Fields full of oranges, oh oh my Mother Where olive trees spread from end to end Around them, the seashores shine like gold, oh oh my Mother And you're blinded, blinded by the intense light When you go to this place, oh oh my Mother And you see, you see tents in a row It's not a camping place for tourists, oh oh my Mother They're only, only refugees My Lady, my Lady, soothe my heart My Lady, my Lady, soothe my heart 

[TheNTC84]

And if you see shattered ruins, oh oh my Mother It's not from other, from other eras It is burnt by napalm, oh oh my Mother Since yesterday, there are countless crumbled rocks And if you see newly dug land, oh oh my Mother They're not fertile fields, fields There will be crosses planted on them, oh oh my Mother Which will decompose, decompose through time  My Lady, my Lady, soothe my heart My Lady, my Lady, soothe my heart

[DemisLian]

εκπληκτικό.... χαιρετίσματα στην Ελλάδα μας!

[georgekolias]

Άκουσα αυτό το τραγούδι πάμπολλες φορές, και πάντα μου δίνει ρίγος συγκίνησης. Όμως σήμερα διαβάζοντας τα σχόλια δάκρισα.

Δεν Ξεχνώ.

[EscBelgium111]

You have right to be very proud of this song, Tasos. It's just beautiful and takes my breath away everytime I hear it. But I consider Greece as one of the strongest countries in the contest. There are actually only 4 Greek entries where I'm not really fond of!

[AdriannaLisa]

may I guess which ones? 1988,1994, 2002, 2007?

About this song... very strange, untypical but beautiful, haunting and lyrical! Absolutely deserved higher position.

[kaly13]

2002 only!

[lwsmackie4]

"Greece one of the strongest countries in the contest" ? Woah!!!!! dont think there will be much support for that statement!

[setheurovision94]

Wanna bet? ;P

[lwsmackie4]

Oh I forgot - CYPRUS! they'll vote for them

[setheurovision94]

I was actually referring to myself.

[lwsmackie4]

:P you're no fun

[aimwn]

Για να μην ξεχνιόμαστε!

Ευτυχώς υπήρξαν τραγούδια για να μας θυμίζουν ακόμη και σήμερα τις εκκρεμότητές μας σαν Έλληνες...

[jimkats1]

Ζήτω η Ελλάς

[multimediaperson]

Thanks for the great introduction comment, tasosk3.

[tasosk3]

You're welcome :-) Glad you liked it.

[pinkF34]

to thema einai kata poso borei na perasei ta minimata pou thelei na perasei ena tragoudi diamartirias, mesa apo ena diagwnisma pou de fimizetai kai gia ti megali tou kalitexniki axia .........mallon to aditheto me liges exaireseis mesa sti dekaetia tou 70....

[pinkF34]

Mallon h Mariza epaise sti pagida ....kai pige o kopos tis xarami, alla as prosexe ..den ixere.. de rwtage? meta apo ligo vgikan oi saxlepisaxloi Brotherhood of Man, pragmatika na xernas me to poso aforita gliwdis borei na ginei autos o diagwnismos..kai piran ti prwti thesi, stelnodas peripato kai ti Mariza kai to klama tis gia eleutheria kai dikaiosini panw s' auti ti gi......

DON'T FORGET!!!

[jimmischarmed]

simfwnw mazi sou.genikotera zilevun tin ellada kai tin istoria mas kai emeis tus afinume!

[espronzeda]

Oh, i love Mariza Koch, i think she is the best from Greece in the ESC...Elena Paparizou to. I love this song, thanks. I´m from Spain.

[InnocentWar1]

Elena Paparizou is just like air compared to this entry. This is music in it's meaning.

[jimmischarmed]

poli wraio tragoudi...me noima kai synais8ima!ka8e fora pou to akus se pianei rigos...episis otan itan ston aera to tragoudi ayto i Tourkiki tileorasi edeixne diafimiseis epitides...politismos

[amplaoumla]

popo h fonhths me anatrixiase re exei 8ehki fonh...!!!!mpravo ston tasosk3

[CarVi99]

agapame kypro k pote ma pote den xehname!

[NikosKavalas]

Dakrizw ka8e fora pou to akouw!

Κύπρος: Δεν ξεχνώ!

[lwsmackie]

who ate all the pies?

[setheurovision94]

Dustin the Turkey perhaps? *raspberry*

[setheurovision94]

You have every right to be proud of this second entry of yours, tasos. An amazing song, both in performance, melody and orchestration; it's goosebump-inducing, though I personally like the verses and bridge best. Greece's plethora of great entries actually astounds me - in fact, it wasn't until 1985 when I saw a slip in the quality of your entries (though 1980 wasn't exactly a masterpiece, either, while catchy).

[tasosk3]

Wow, thanks for this, my friend - it's actually very flattering coming from you (btw, what would you see it's your favorite Greek entry? My guess is Cleopatra - am I right?) As for this one, I agree with you, and I must also compliment Mariza's fabulous lyrics - not just for the subject matter, but for how they present seemingly innocent images and then reveal them as the tragic outcome of the war (those tents lying in the sun are not a summer camping, but a refugee camp, etc)

[lwsmackie]

suck suck suck suck suck suck suck

[tasosk3]

Oh, stop it!

[setheurovision94]

Yes, very poetic lyrics indeed, though didn't Mariza write the music and Michael Fotiades the lyrics? As for my fave Greek entry, I really can't select a single one! But battling it out would indeed be Cleopatra, as well as Marianna from '96 and Pascalis, Marianna, Robert & Bessy. And Sofia Vossou was fabulous, too.