TARKAN – START THE FIRE

“Start the Fire” – Tarkan (2006): The Anglophone Debut That Ignites the Connection

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The Anglophone Debut and Global Ambition

“Start the Fire” is the second English-language single by the charismatic Turkish singer Tarkan, a track that marks a crucial moment in his career, being included in the highly anticipated album Come Closer, released in 2006. This single is not only an expression of his artistic evolution but also the culmination of a decade of international ambitions.

The idea for an English album for Tarkan took shape as early as 1995, thanks to the encouragement of media mogul Ahmet Ertegün, who foresaw the Megastar’s potential in the global market. After over ten years of effort and preparation, the announcement in 2005 that Come Closer was finally ready generated enormous excitement among fans worldwide. Launched on August 18, 2006, “Start the Fire” immediately stood out for its contagious energy. The track, with its radio arrangements curated by DJ Mousse T. and production at 1000 Volt, offers a modern pop sound that enhances Tarkan’s vocal power and stage presence.

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The International Visual

The original music video, shot in Istanbul, is a demonstration of this international synergy, with Tarkan flanked by a small orchestra and a staff that was both Turkish and foreign, including the participation of Tarkan’s former backup vocalist, Murat Boz. The video debuted on German Viva Plus, spreading rapidly across major music channels in Europe and Turkey, projecting Tarkan to new heights of global visibility.

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2. Deep Dive: The Burning Message – A Desire for Deep Connection

The Central Message: Breaking the Mold for Passion

“Start the Fire” is an audacious 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 intense yearning for another person. The song celebrates an energy so ignited that it compels one to break free from all inhibition and enter into a deep and passionate bond, breaking traditional patterns.

The lyrics use the image of “starting the fire” to symbolize the intensity of the emotions sparked by this relationship and the willingness to pursue an authentic connection. It is an invitation to completely surrender to the force of attraction and explore a relationship without reservations.

Key Lyrics: Raw Energy and Seduction

The lyrics are direct and energetic, as demonstrated by key verses:

“Baby I feel your fire, I feel you next to me, I feel the desire. Tell me if you wanna ride. I wanna be alone with you and make you mine. Cause when I see you doing that chiki, chiki, chiki, chiki I wanna roll. And if you wanna tell me, tell me what you want babe or we can just let go. Crazy, you’re driving me mad. I’m doing things I never did, I’m out of my mind.

Say, say baby you want it too. Anything you wanna do tonight, it’s on, (tonight, it’s on). Say, say, we gonna break all the rules. It just takes you and me to start the fire (start the fire).

Missy, you see me falling, I wanna see that dance. I wanna see, show me everything or just let it go. Take me up there don’t take it slow.”

This mix of compelling desire and total abandonment makes “Start the Fire” an energetic and seductive anthem to the power of human connection.

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3. Technical Details of the Single “Start the Fire”:

Version	Duration	Key Contributors
Radio Edit	3:15	Lyrics & Music: Tarkan Tevetoğlu, Brian Kierulf, Josh Schwartz
Album Version (Come Closer)	N/A (to be confirmed)	Producers: Tarkan, Brian Kierulf, Josh Schwartz

• Key Instrumentation: Guitar (Brian Kierulf), Additional Keyboards, Programmed by (Brian Kierulf), Background Vocals (Tarkan Tevetoğlu).
• Release Date: August 18, 2006
• Genre: Pop
• Label: Urban/Universal Music

▶️ Feel the global fire! Experience Tarkan’s “Start the Fire”!