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Half​-​Greek Blues

by Rhys Howlett

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about

I grew up with lots of different ethnic groups at school and to be honest I was always kind of envious, mostly of the food but also of their link to a culture. My three best mates growing up were Half-German, Half-Italian, and Half-Greek, I claimed tenuous links to being Half-Fijian cos my Dad was born and raised there (to parents from New Zealand) but I know it's not the same. I just wanted to be something Other than a Mainstream Australian - have you ever wanted to be something Other than what you are? Don't get me wrong I love my family to bits and feel immensely lucky and proud to be part of it but it just never seemed as interesting as being from Somewhere Else, especially somewhere else with such delicious food.
I loved playing soccer with the kids from different backgrounds, always more interesting than the bucktoothed boxheads playing footy. But mostly it was about the food, I love a good plate of pikelets but give me the bougatsa any day, please. I have only spent one week in Greece so far. It was wonderful.
This was one of the first songs I ever wrote and one of the last songs I decided to record for the album Rescue Dogs, the rest of which will be ready soon.
This version of Half-Greek Blues is about a million times better than the original solo demo thanks to the brilliant production of Nick Russell and the brilliant musicians who played on it - eternal thanks and Big Hugs to Mark, Flik, Jono and Nick for sharing your skills, absolutely amazing making music with you all.

lyrics

Well I wish I was Half-Greek like you
And I wish I was six foot two
And I love my Grandma’s Irish stew
And love my Grandpa’s roast
I love corned beef and mixed grill but what I really love the most
Is those tasty little pastries so soft you don’t need to chew
I wish I was, I wish I was Half-Greek like you

Well I wish I had some ethnic heritage
More than just a mongrel, some exotic lineage
Because meat pies come from Ancient Greece
And beer comes from Egypt
And mateship was a concept way back at The Iliad
We’re force-fed an identity
Till we start to think it’s true
And I wonder what a Half-Greek thinks, Half-Greek like you.

Loukoumathes. Bougatsa. Finikia. Spanakopita
Kourabiethes. Kataifi. Baklava
Galaktoboureko. Koulourakia.
I’m gonna ask your Mama
To come and start a life somewhere new
I’ll pretend that I’m her Half-Greek son, Half-Greek, like you.

credits

released February 25, 2018
Written by Rhys Howlett
Produced and Engineered by Nick Russell at King's Closet

Performed by:
Rhys Howlett - vocals
Mark Curtis - guitar, mandolin
Felicity Freeman - bass
Jonathan Ruse - keyboards
Nick Russell - drums

Artwork by:
Casey Cumming - www.caseycillustration.com

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Rhys Howlett Adelaide, Australia

Songs about people, places, work, identity, hope, home, food, beverages...

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