When The Beatles Sang Theodorakis

At the end of 1958, Mikis Theodorakis wrote the main theme for British director Michael Powell’s film Luna de Mel (“Honeymoon” in English, “Wedding Night” in Greek), starring Anthony Steele and Ludmila Tserina.

From Theodorakis’ music came the title song “Honeymoon Song” with lyrics by William and performed by Italian songwriter Marino Marini with his quartet. A big hit in Greece was “If You Remember My Dream” with lyrics by Vassilis Kardi (a pseudonym for Nikos Gatsos) and performed by Giovanna.

Paul McCartney heard Marini’s performance, was impressed and suggested that the remaining three “Beetles” record Theodorakis’ song for the BBC radio programme “Pop Go The Beatles”.

The song was recorded at BBC Studios in London on July 16, 1963 and includes:

Paul McCartney (vocals, bass)
John Lennon (guitar)
George Harrison (guitar)
Ringo Starr (drums)

The Beatles’ version was broadcast on 8 August that year and remained on BBC shelves until 30 November 1994, when it was included on the album “The Beatles: Live at the BBC”.

McCartney’s appreciation for the song is evident in the fact that he chose it for the folk singer Mary Hopkins’ first album, which he produced. The album, titled “Post Card”, was released on February 21, 1969 by Apple Records, the Beatles’ record label.

Lyrics of the song “Honeymoon”.

I didn’t know a day like this was coming.
I got the sun in my heart and my heart in the sun
The sky is as bright as your eyes

The horizon is open
Love is the ceiling

Feelings are swinging
Free as air

forever and ever
forever side by side

Who would have imagined that we could be as free as we imagine?
Imagination is free

But are we bound to each other by love?
To each other with love

Who would have imagined that we could be as free as we imagine?
Imagination is free

But are we bound to each other by love?
To each other with love

To each other with love
To each other with love