Tarkan’s Album Dünyayı sesiyle resmeden sanatçı. Her not, bir başyapıtThe artist who painted the world with his voice. Each note,
“Şımarık” – Tarkan (1997/1999): The Global Kiss That Launched the Megastar
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The Genesis of a Global Phenomenon
Chart Triumph On the charts, “Şımarık” dominated in Europe, reaching No. 1 in Belgium, No. 2 in Norway, and No. 3 in Switzerland, France, Germany, and the Netherlands. This overwhelming success was celebrated with a gold record at Midem in Cannes and in Germany by Universal, consecrating Tarkan as a true Global Megastar.
1997 marked a watershed moment in the history of Turkish and international pop music with the launch of “Şımarık“, also known as “Kiss Kiss”, the iconic single by the charismatic singer Tarkan. Initially included in the album Ölürüm Sana (his third studio album), this track was written and composed by the legendary Sezen Aksu, in collaboration with Tarkan himself for the music, revealing an artistic synergy that would generate a global phenomenon.
The Seismic Impact and the Catchy Kiss Sound “Şımarık” rapidly transcended Turkish borders, being released in France in 1998 and the rest of the world in 1999. Its impact was seismic: the song sold two million copies across Europe, becoming Tarkan’s signature piece and his international “debut song.”
Its contagious melody and unmistakable chorus, which concludes with two characteristic kiss sounds, generated countless versions in different languages, including the famous English covers “Kiss Kiss” by Stella Soleil (2001) and Holly Valance (2002), testifying to its universal resonance. The success extended to international film soundtracks (Beau Travail, XX / XY) and was used as the theme song for the Norwegian TV series Migrapolis.
The Iconic Marseille Music Video The music video, filmed in the narrow, cobblestone streets of Marseille, France, became equally iconic: Tarkan, with his unparalleled beauty and charisma, sings in the street, followed by a group of mesmerized women trying to kiss him. The final scene, with Tarkan kissing a little girl on the forehead, adds a touch of sweetness and innocence to a track imbued with seduction.
The Provocative Message – Unconventional Love and a “Spoiled” Nature
The Lyrical Essence: Jealousy and Tumultuous Attraction
The song “Şımarık“, which translates to “Spoiled” or “Spoilt,” explores the complex dynamic of an irrepressible attraction to a female figure who defies conventions and openly flirts with emotions, almost brazenly. The lyrics are imbued with intense emotions, especially jealousy, as the narrator observes the protagonist interacting with other men.
Key Turkish Idiomatic Expressions
The lyrics are enriched by Turkish idiomatic expressions that add depth and color to the portrait of this “spoiled” and fascinating figure:
- “Seni gidi fındıkkıran” (Hey, you nutcracker!): A colloquial reference to someone brazen, bold, or who dares to do something unexpected, breaking rules or social conventions.
- “Yılanı deliğinden çıkaran” (the one who pulls the snake out of its hole): Describes a person capable of facing and resolving complex problems or intricate situations, demonstrating cunning and courage.
- “Püsküllü belam” (my fringed problem/tasseled nuisance): Refers to a person or situation causing annoyance or trouble, but in an almost attractive way or intrinsically linked to their peculiar nature.
The Confession of Submission
The text is a confession of submission to this tumultuous attraction:
“Muah! She’s walking arm in arm with another man, I’m crazy with jealousy. She blows bubbles with chewing gum and then pops them brazenly. Maybe that’s why I fell in love with you, but I can’t have you. How can a man put up with you, spoiled girl? Has this world changed? She drew on her eyebrows and put on eyeliner. Her fiery red lips pout. She even stood in front of me without shame. She is smiling on purpose, just to make me angry. Is this what we learned from our father? Day by day we have become ridiculous. New customs have arrived in the old village. Oh my friends, we are ruined. My destiny, who cracks nuts and pulls the snake from its hole, is my fringed problem… If I catch you! I fell into your fire, darling. I fell into your arms, baby. I fell into your warmth, pup. Have mercy!”1
“Şımarık” thus celebrates a complex relationship, where desire mixes with frustration, and the beloved’s “spoiledness” is both a source of torment and irresistible attractio2n.
3. Technical Details of the Single “Şımarık”:
| Version | Duration | Key Contributors |
| Şımarık (Radio Edit) | 3:12 | Lyrics: Sezen Aksu |
| Şımarık (Original Long) | 3:57 | Music: Tarkan Tevetoğlu, Sezen Aksu, Ozan Çolakoğlu |
- Released: 1997 (Turkey), 1999 (Global)
- Label: Urban / Polygram / Universal
- Genres: Turkish Pop, Dance-Pop
- Producers: Mehmet Söğütoğlu, Dieter Rubach
- Instrumentation: Daf (Sedat Güvenir), Goblet Drum (Cengiz Ercümer), Guitar (Erdem Sökmen), Strings (Mustafa Süder Grubu).
- Additional Vocals: Levent Yüksel
▶️ Don’t resist the kiss! Listen to “Şımarık” and its contagious melody on…