In the city's hammam
A harem takes a bath
Arab guards then take them to Ali Pasha

He orders the arab guards
To bring the girls in front of him
Then he makes them dance and play the bouzouki

He smokes a hookah
With Turkish hashish
And all the girls dance
The gypsy tsifteteli
And all the girls dance
The gypsy tsifteteli

That's the way of life
For all the world's pashas
Bouzoukis and hookahs
With hugs and kisses
With hugs and kisses

Bouzoukis and hookahs
With hugs and kisses
With hugs and kisses

Bring to me a cup of wine
And come and keep me company
For me this night
Will be the very last

Hey life, you drip poison
I’m sick of you
And the golden palaces you promised
Are all just fake

Sing to me sad songs
From the bottom of your heart
There is nothing heavier
Than my very own sufferings

Hey life, you drip poison
I’m sick of you
And the golden palaces you promised
Are all just fake

And if someday, friends, you see
A mother grieving
Just tell her to deal with it
And not to go on waiting for me

Hey life, you drip poison
I’m sick of you
And the golden palaces you promised
Are all just fake