Darla dirladada

Origins

It was conceived as a song that sponge divers would sing when traveling with their caïque boats across the seas. The song's lyrics contain words of encouragement and the opportunity awaiting the crew.

One of the most notable recordings is that performed by Pantelis Ginis, a Kalymnian sponge diver captain, who, in his version, is making a reference to another respected diver captain, Manolis (Emmanuel) Theodosiou, whose nickname was 'Kobalis'. Ginis, in his version, relates the time Kobalis walked into a coffee shop where Ginis was singing Darla dirladada.

Modern versions

In 1970 the song was recorded by Italian-Egyptian-French singer Dalida. It was released as a single from her album Ils ont changé ma chanson, on which it features as the sixth track. Dalida also recorded the song in the English-language.

The song has been covered by the Dutch singer Marva. The most notable cover version, so far, is that of G.O. Culture in 1993, which became a huge hit in France.

Track listings

1. "Darla dirladada" — 3:15
2. "Diable de temps" — 2:30

1. "Darla dirladada" (disco 96 mix) — 6:55
2. "Darla dirladada" (sirtaki mix) — 4:04

G.O. Culture version

In 1993, the band G.O. Culture covered the song in a house and techno version. In France, this version was a success in discothèques and in terms of sales. Lyrics are completely changed and refer to Patrice Leconte's film, Les Bronzés. The single was the major summer hit in France and stayed for 29 weeks in the top 50, 22 of them in the top ten. It is to date the 847th best-selling single of all time in France. The music video shows the singers performing the song on a beach and on a boat. Several remixes were produced by French band Pleasure Game. This cover version has been covered in turn by K.O. Culture in 2006 in a remixed version.

Track listings

1. "Darla dirladada" (tropical club mix radio edit)
2. "Darla dirladada" (tropical club)
3. "Darla dirladada" (techno dance mix)
4. "Powe a Wanda"

1. "Darla dirladada"
2. "Powe a Wanda"

1. "Darla dirladada"
2. "Darla dirladada" (maxi version) — 5:39