Tarkan’s Album Dünyayı sesiyle resmeden sanatçı. Her not, bir başyapıtThe artist who painted the world with his voice. Each note,
“Start the Fire” is the second English-language single by the charismatic Turkish singer Tarkan. This track marks a crucial moment in his career, included in the highly anticipated Come Closer album, released in 2006. This single isn’t just an expression of his artistic evolution; it’s also the culmination of a decade of international ambitions.
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The idea for an English album for Tarkan took shape as early as 1995, thanks to the encouragement of media mogul Ahmet Ertegün, who recognized the Megastar’s potential in the global market. After more than ten years of effort and preparation, the 2005 announcement that Come Closer was finally ready generated immense excitement among fans worldwide.
Released on August 18, 2006, “Start the Fire” immediately stood out for its infectious energy. The track, with its radio arrangements meticulously crafted by DJ Mousse T. and production by 1000 Volt, offers a modern pop sound that highlights Tarkan’s vocal power and stage presence. The original music video, filmed in Istanbul, showcases this international synergy, with Tarkan joined by a small orchestra and both Turkish and foreign staff, including the participation of Tarkan’s former backing vocalist, Murat Boz. The video debuted on German Viva Plus, quickly spreading across major music channels in Europe and Turkey, propelling Tarkan to new heights of global visibility.
The Burning Message: A Desire for Deep Connection
“Start the Fire” is a bold metaphor for passion and an irresistible desire for connection. The lyrics, co-written by Tarkan, Brian Kierulf, and Josh Schwartz, paint a picture of strong attraction and an intense yearning for another person. The song celebrates an energy so potent it inspires letting go of all inhibitions and embarking on a deep and passionate bond, breaking free from traditional norms.
The lyrics use the image of “starting the fire” to symbolize not only the intensity of emotions that arise from this relationship but also the willingness to pursue an authentic connection. It’s an invitation to completely surrender to the force of attraction and to explore a relationship without reservations.
The text is direct and energetic, as key verses demonstrate: “Honey I feel your fire, I feel you close to me, I feel the desire. Tell me if you want to take a ride. I wanna be alone with you and make you mine. ‘Cause when I see you do that chiki, chiki, chiki, chiki thing I wanna roll. And if you wanna tell me, tell me what you want baby or we can let it go. Crazy, you’re driving me crazy. I’m doing things I’ve never done, I’m out of my mind. Say, say baby you want it too. Everything you wanna do tonight is there, (tonight is there). Say, say, we’re gonna break all the rules. It just takes me and you to start the fire (start the fire). Miss you see me fall, I wanna see that dance. I wanna see, show me everything or let’s let it go. Take me up there don’t go slow.” This mix of urgent desire and total surrender makes “Start the Fire” an energetic and seductive anthem to the power of human connection.
Technical Details of the Single “Start the Fire”:
- Released: August 18, 2006
- Recorded: 2005
- Genre: Pop
- Duration: 3:15 (Start the Fire Radio Edit only)
- Label: Urban/Universal Music
- Writers: Tarkan Tevetoğlu, Brian Kierulf, Josh Schwartz
- Producers: Tarkan, Brian Kierulf, Josh Schwartz
- Guitar: Brian Kierulf
- Additional Keyboards, Programmed by: Brian Kierulf
- Background Vocals: Tarkan Tevetoğlu