Thanos Mikroutsikos (Greek: Θάνος Μικρούτσικος) (1947- ) was born in Patras… Read Full Bio ↴Thanos Mikroutsikos (Greek: Θάνος Μικρούτσικος) (1947- ) was born in Patras, Greece and is one of the leading composers of popular and classical music in his home country. He studied music theory and piano at the Patras Philharmonic Society and at the Greek Conservatory and continued under Yiannis A. Papaioannou. While studying music he graduated with a degree in Mathematics from the University of Athens.

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.

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Thanos Mikroutsikos Lyrics

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Η νύχτα είναι μαγική
πέφτει στον ουρανό ένα αστέρι
μια μυστική θα κάνω ευχή:
-Αλίκη τι κρατάς στο χέρι

Ένας διαβάτης προσπερνά
κι απ' το τραγούδι του μαντεύεις
πόσο τρελά την αγαπά

-Αλίκη πού να ταξιδεύεις

Τρέχει η σελήνη η μικρή
μες στους αιθέρες σαν ελάφι
δρόμο να κάνει έχει μακρύ
-Αλίκη δώσ' μου το ξυράφι

Η νύχτα φεύγει μοναχή
κι ο ραγισμένος μας καθρέφτης

σου λέει με παγερή φωνή:
-Αλίκη στο κενό μην πέφτεις

Overall Meaning

These lyrics, written by Thanos Mikroutsikos, convey a sense of magical and mysterious nighttime atmosphere. The first paragraph describes a falling star in the sky and the singer making a secret wish, asking Alice what she holds in her hand. The imagery of the falling star represents the fleeting and enchanting nature of the night, while the reference to Alice adds a touch of curiosity and wonder.

The second paragraph introduces a passerby who discerns the singer's emotions from his song, suggesting that he deeply loves Alice. The question posed to Alice about where she is traveling implies that the singer wonders about her own journey and desires to be a part of it. This section highlights the longing and anticipation that the singer feels towards Alice, as he contemplates her actions and emotions.

Moving on to the third paragraph, the imagery shifts to the small running moon, symbolizing the passing of time and the pursuit of a distant path. The singer asks Alice for a razor, perhaps metaphorically representing the need to cut through obstacles or barriers that may stand in their way. The plea for the tool can be interpreted as a desire to be involved in Alice's life, whether it be in her travels or in overcoming challenges together.

Finally, in the fourth paragraph, the night departs, leaving behind a broken mirror that speaks with a chilling voice. The broken mirror represents a shattered reflection of the singer, emphasizing his vulnerability and uncertainty. The mirror warns Alice not to fall into emptiness, suggesting that the singer fears losing her or her becoming lost in something futile or unfulfilling. This conclusion conveys a sense of caution and concern for Alice's well-being.

Overall, these lyrics capture a sense of longing, curiosity, and vulnerability, while drawing upon imaginative and symbolic imagery to express the emotions and desires of the singer towards Alice.

Line by Line Meaning

Η νύχτα είναι μαγική
The night is enchanting

πέφτει στον ουρανό ένα αστέρι
a star falls in the sky

μια μυστική θα κάνω ευχή:
I will make a secret wish:

-Αλίκη τι κρατάς στο χέρι
-Alice, what are you holding in your hand

Ένας διαβάτης προσπερνά
A passerby goes by

κι απ' το τραγούδι του μαντεύεις
and you guess from his song

πόσο τρελά την αγαπά
how madly he loves her

-Αλίκη πού να ταξιδεύεις
-Alice, where are you traveling to

Τρέχει η σελήνη η μικρή
The little moon is running

μες στους αιθέρες σαν ελάφι
among the heavens like a deer

δρόμο να κάνει έχει μακρύ
it has a long journey to make