...my golden basil

This song featured in a powerful scene in the film 'Head On' (1998). The film is about a 19 year-old second generation Greek man living in Melbourne and the issues and struggles he has to face with his family, culture, relationships and ultimately his sexuality. The film is moving and confronting and I couldn't help seeing similarities between the Greek and Latvian communities which exists in Australia; the difficulty in communication and conflict between the generations endure in both cultures not to mention identity crises. In one scene Ari (played wonderfully by Alex Dimitriades) starts dancing a beautiful Greek dance in the family kitchen after being pressured by his heavy-handed father. Ari lunges and sways around the kitchen and his father joins him. A young man caught in a dance with himself, his father, his culture and his identity.

I've put an English translation for the song which Ari was dancing to. The music and words were written by Stavros Kougioumtzis (1932-2005). This version is by Giorgios Dalaras.

Do not be angry with me, my dearest,
now that I am leaving for foreign lands,
I will turn into a bird and I will come
back again, to you.
Open your window,
my golden basil, my princess,
and with a sweet smile, wish me a good night.

Do not be angry with me, my dearest,
now that I am going away from you,
and come here awhile, let me see you,
let me say goodbye.
Open your window,
my golden basil, my princess,
and with a sweet smile, wish me a good night.