Καλλιτεχνικός Σύλλογος Δημοτικής Μουσικής Δόμνα Σαμίου

It is the custom every year to mark these days and weeks
with dances for young swains and maids that mothers may rejoice.

So let the dance proceed apace,
this earth shall surely eat us up.
We’re fated all of us to end
our days beneath the ground we tread.

Dance on, dance on, if you would thrill to all the joys of youth,
for you᾽ll rediscover them here in the world we know.

This earth decked out with greenery
consumes young maids and stalwart youths.
This earth decked out with flowers
consumes young lads and lasses, too.

Rejoice young lads, rejoice young maids, rejoice you stalwart youths,
for I have bound old Charon’s¹ feet with fetters made of iron.

So let the dance proceed apace,
This earth shall surely eat us up.
We’re fated all of us to end
our days beneath the ground we tread.

Dance on, dance on, and don’t regret the wear and tear on shoes,
for they recoup their strength at night while you are fast asleep.

So stamp hard on it with your foot,
this earth shall surely eat us up.

Translated by John Leatham

¹Charon: In Greek mythology the ferryman who conveys the souls of the dead across the river Styx to Hades.