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Famous Blue Raincoat was sung in a Greek version (i.e. same music, different new Greek lyrics written by Lina Nikolakopoulou) by one of the best Greek singers, Dimitra Galani many years before.

On 12 February 2004 that very song was included in her live performance at the Athens Concert Hall and it is now available in the "live" CD of that night titled "epi skinis (= on stage).

For more about Dimitra Galani and the CD you can have a look at her official website: http://www.galani.gr

Demetris

. . .she was certainly destined to create a world of her own, for as the Creator of our world, has blessed her with a voice, deep as a double bass and sweet as a flute.

I'd be interested to hear her rendition/cover of Famous Blue Raincoat. Have you heard it yet, Demetris? If you did, what'd you think?

~ Elizabeth

Hi Elizabeth,

yes, I have heard the song both from the studio album when it was released many years ago and also now the "live" version.

I think it is one of the best covers of Leonard's songs (something quite rare IMHO) but of course the lyrics are totally different.

I had posted in the ng some time ago a translation into English of the new (Greek) lyrics made by me.
I copy it here again:

IN THE YELLOW LIGHTS
(FAMOUS BLUE RAINCOAT)


All through the evening I haven't said anything
Hiding my words with a cigarette
Outside the colours are fading
I close my eyes to take a breath


How fast the night comes on
Everything here is like the end of a festival
The narrow balcony
Far down the city, smelling loneliness and smoke


And I linger beneath the yellow lights
In the city that once embraced
Your voice saying : «I love you»
I' ve lost you in the yellow lights
In the city that once embraced
Your voice saying «I love you», saying «I love you»


All through the evening I stayed by the window
Watching the people passing by
Somewhere a radio is faintly playing
With no wings where my life goes by


How fast the night comes on
Everything here is like the end of a festival
The narrow balcony
Far down the city, smelling loneliness and smoke


And I linger beneath the yellow lights
In the city that once embraced
Your voice saying : «I love you»
I' ve lost you in the yellow lights
In the city that once embraced
Your voice saying «I love you».

Singer : Dimitra Galani
Lyrics : Lina Nikolakopoulou
LP : « Kala einai ki etsi», 1981

Thanks for reprinting the lyrics to here, Demetris. I like the way these lyrics still seem to hold the mood of the original song. The description of her voice is in keeping with the feeling these lyrics evoke.

~ Elizabeth

You can listen to the greek version of the song here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szjXc8JaQkM

I don't like it.. but it's fun..