He blends a lot of musical traditions in his work, from popular to electronic. He has composed a lot of songs based on poems by Greek and foreign poets, such as Euripides, Aristophanes, Constantine P. Cavafy, Giorgos Seferis, Yannis Ritsos, Odysseas Elytis and Nikos Kavvadias as well as Bertolt Brecht, Nazim Hikmet, Wolf Biermann and Maurice Maeterlinck. He has also written operas, symphonic music, chamber music and music for the theatre and cinema.
One of his most popular works was the setting to music of poems by Nikos Kavvadias in his albums Grammes Orizonton (Horizons' Lines) and Stavros tou Notou (Southern Cross). Some of the music was originally written for a TV series, the theme of which was marine. The songs were liked and he went on to the studio to record some more many of which were included in the aforementioned albums.
Thanos Mikroutsikos has also been involved in Greece's political life since the 60's. During the turbulent years of the military junta (1967-1974), he was persecuted by the regime for his anti-dictatorial activities and ideas. When the junta collapsed he continued being actively involved in politics as a member of the maoist EKKE, especially in the first years after the restoration of democracy.
After the elections of October 1993 he was appointed by the Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) which formed the new government, as Alternate-Minister of Culture with late Melina Mercouri as minister. In 1994 after the death of the latter he was appointed minister of culture. He remained at this position until 1996. His brother is the popular TV host and musician Andreas Mikroutsikos.
To Tragoudi Tis Loulou
Thanos Mikroutsikos Lyrics
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Πόσο όμορφο αλήθεια πόσο αθώο
Μα κρύβει μέσα του την κίρκη και την άτη
Πλασμένο από σατανά κι από θεό
Μα εσύ ανυποψίαστε διαβάτη
Φύγε εδώ βασιλεύει το κακό
Το πάθοσ το τυφλό του αναβάτη
The lyrics of Thanos Mikroutsikos's song "To Tragoudi Tis Loulou" captures a deep sense of duality and complexity within a seemingly innocent and beautiful exterior. The opening line describing a "clay jug" sets the stage for the contrasting elements to follow. The vessel is praised for its beauty and innocence, yet it harbors within it both the circle (κίρκη) and the curse (άτη), symbols of fate and misfortune. This juxtaposition suggests that even the most seemingly pure and simple things can hold hidden depths of darkness and complexity.
As the lyrics progress, the imagery becomes more stark and ominous, likening the jug to being "crafted from Satan and from God." This line suggests a connection to both divine and diabolical forces, implying a struggle between good and evil within the vessel itself. The listener is warned to be wary and cautious, as the innocent facade of the jug belies the potential for malevolence and harm lurking within.
The plea for the unsuspecting traveler to "leave here, evil reigns" further emphasizes the sense of foreboding and danger surrounding the object. The presence of "the blind passion of the wanderer" adds a sense of inevitability and recklessness, hinting at the seductive yet destructive nature of the jug and the forces it represents. The use of evocative language and vivid imagery serves to create a haunting atmosphere that lingers long after the song has ended.
Overall, "To Tragoudi Tis Loulou" explores themes of deception, dualities, and the hidden darkness that can reside within seemingly innocuous objects or situations. Through its rich and layered symbolism, the song invites listeners to reflect on the complex interplay of good and evil, beauty and darkness, and the deceptive nature of appearances. It serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of looking beyond surface-level impressions and recognizing the potential for hidden dangers in the world around us.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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