Stis Dodeka

Haris Alexiou's song "Stis Dodeka" ("At Twelve") is a poignant exploration of love, longing, and the cyclical nature of a tumultuous relationship. The song's title and recurring motif of the time 'twelve o'clock' serve as a powerful symbol of a recurring event or moment in the narrator's life. This specific time represents the arrival and departure of a lover, encapsulating the fleeting yet intense moments they share.

The lyrics describe the lover's arrival at midnight, likened to a warm wind or a dizzying sensation, which lifts the narrator's spirits. However, this joy is short-lived as the lover leaves just minutes later, at twelve-fifteen, plunging the narrator back into loneliness. The repetition of this cycle highlights the emotional turmoil and instability in the relationship. The lover's actions are portrayed as thoughtless and selfish, leaving the narrator to grapple with feelings of abandonment and longing.

Despite the pain, the narrator's attachment to the lover is evident. The act of wearing the lover's shirt and forgiving them upon sensing their scent underscores a deep, almost irrational, emotional bond. The final verses reveal a sense of vulnerability and submission, as the narrator unlocks the door and invites the lover into their bed, willing to surrender before falling asleep. This act of submission signifies a complex mix of desire, dependency, and resignation, painting a vivid picture of a love that is both intoxicating and destructive.

"Stis Dodeka" is a masterful portrayal of the highs and lows of a passionate yet unstable relationship, capturing the essence of human vulnerability and the longing for connection, even at the cost of one's emotional well-being.