Tarkan’s Album Dünyayı sesiyle resmeden sanatçı. Her not, bir başyapıtThe artist who painted the world with his voice. Each note,
“Hüp” – Tarkan (2001): A Cry of Love That Conquered Hearts
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Controversy and the Rebirth of a Hit
“Hüp” is the eighth track on the Karma album, released in 2001, and quickly established itself as a flagship single in the discography of the Turkish Pop King, Tarkan. This song is not only an anthem to love and devotion but also carries a story of controversy and rebirth, which cemented its legendary status.
The lyrics and music for “Hüp” were crafted by the talented Nazan Öncel, while the arrangements were handled by Tarkan’s faithful collaborator, Ozan Çolakoğlu. The song is an intertwining of catchy melodies and profound lyricism, making it instantly recognizable and beloved.
The Scandal and the Relaunch
However, the path of “Hüp” was not without obstacles. The song’s first music video, released in October 2001, sparked heated discussion due to certain kissing scenes considered too explicit for the time and the Turkish cultural context. This led to a broadcasting ban by the main national music channels, creating a veritable “press scandal” that, paradoxically, increased curiosity about the track. Despite this situation, the single sold approximately 350,000 copies, attesting to its undeniable appeal.
In response to the ban, Tarkan and his team reacted with determination: at the beginning of 2002, a second music video was shot, this time as a remixed version of the track, which finally received the green light for broadcast. Both videos were directed by the renowned Italian-Turkish filmmaker Ferzan Özpetek, whose artistic sensibility successfully interpreted the song’s intensity visually. “Hüp” is a clear example of Tarkan’s versatility and artistic depth, showing his ability to tackle complex themes and overcome challenges while maintaining a deep connection with his audience.
2. Deep Dive: The Poetic Message – Unconditional Love and Union
The Lyrical Essence: Total Devotion
The song “Hüp” expresses a profound unconditional love and devotion, utilizing richly meaningful metaphors. The lyrics convey the idea of being irresistibly attracted to someone, with total dedication.
The lyrics are enriched by Turkish idiomatic expressions that add layers of meaning:
- The phrase “I will feed you with bird’s milk” (a literal translation of “kuş sütüyle”) is a Turkish idiom indicating something extremely rare, precious, or almost non-existent, emphasizing the exceptionality and extreme care the singer wishes to dedicate to the beloved.
- The expression “swallow me like a cry/shout” is a poetic phrase that evokes a strong, intense, and potentially transformative experience, linked to the emotional impact of a deep exclamation. It is a desire for total fusion and absorption into the essence of the other.
- The proverb “There is no wall made only of stone, write it down somewhere” (lit. “Non c’è un muro solo di pietra”) underscores the necessity of cooperation and solidarity. In this romantic context, it emphasizes the impossibility of building barriers in the solitude of love and the need to unite, to act together to overcome every obstacle.
The Declaration of Love
The lyrics are a true declaration of love:
“If there is a way from heart to heart, this is love, obviously. Your wind was enough to cause the end of the world. Open the door, I’m coming. I’m wearing a shirt made of fire. I will feed you with bird’s milk. I smell you instead of musk. The palaces of my heart are yours. You make me cry, I love you. I will have great esteem for you, I will hold you on my knees, the palaces of my heart are yours, I will make you feel alive. Take my arm and take me away, swallow me like a cry/shout. There is no wall made only of stone, write it down somewhere. If I don’t hug you and sleep, I can’t see the world, I have become a moth for you.”
“Hüp” is thus an anthem to all-consuming passion, mutual surrender, and the strength of emotional union.
3. Technical Details of the Single “Hüp”:
| Version | Duration | Key Contributors |
| Original | 3:37 | Lyrics & Music: Nazan Öncel |
| Ozinga Disco Mix | 4:28 | Arrangement/Programming: Ozan Çolakoğlu |
- Video Director: Ferzan Özpetek (for both videos)
- Single Sales: Approx. 350,000 copies
- Instrumentation/Mix: Various arrangements including Bass (Murat Ejder), Electric Guitar (Bilgehan Tuncer), Baglama (Çetin Akdeniz), Clarinet (Selim Sesler / Kirpi Bülent), Darbuka, Oud, Strings (Şenyaylar Yaylı Grubu).