Beyond being a powerful stage presence and an inspired composer, Tarkan has masterfully expressed his deepest art through the lyrics of his songs. This section offers an intimate look at his talent as a lyricist, presenting you with a selection of tracks he wrote or to which he contributed. Each translation is accompanied by a brief review to help you grasp the meaning, emotions, and unique nuances that make the Megastar’s pen so distinctive. Dive into the words that have touched millions of hearts and discover the stories and feelings Tarkan’s wanted to share with the world.

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For more information about Tarkan’s career and upcoming projects, visit his official website.

Written and composed by Tarkan, “Çakmak Çakmak” is an unforgettable duet with Sibel Can that pulsates with intense feelings of love and desire. The track, which opens with the line “There’s a shiver inside me, what’s happening to me?”, uses powerful metaphors like “Leyla and Mecnun” to describe a passionate and tumultuous relationship. The lyrics depict the overwhelming effect of love, symbolized by “those blazing eyes,” illustrating an inability to resist intense emotions despite challenges. Released by Emre Plak on May 23, 2007, it’s the opening track of Sibel Can’s album, Akşam Sefası, and features Tarkan enriching the song with his unmistakable voice in a memorable duet.

There’s a shiver inside me, what’s happening to me? My heart jumps up and down, it makes me feel bad. Everything I say, my heart doesn’t want to listen to reason. It says Leyla met Mecnun.

This time, evil fate caught me by surprise, It found a way to deceive me again, Making me fall into its trap on purpose. It’s obvious from every point of view, that he is a man of fire Who looks down and burns hearts.

This is the poplar wind. The flames of my love have wrapped around the chimney. Even if his tongue burns, his heart doesn’t care. But those eyes are blazing intensely.

It’s the 12th day of the calendar. What’s done is done, this heart doesn’t listen to orders. His gaze and his smile are so beautiful. Honey flows from his mouth. Life is empty without her, she gives life to my soul. I have butterflies in my stomach. I took the road to the land of lovers.

What’s done is done, this heart doesn’t listen to orders.

Link video Çakmak Çakmak

Interpreted by Murat Boz and written and composed by Megastar Tarkan, with arrangements by Ozan Çolakoğlu, “Püf” is a powerful expression of deep and passionate love and desire. The track uses evocative metaphors like “burning like a candle” and being a “devoted follower” to convey the overwhelming intensity of its emotions.

The music video for “Püf,” recorded at Sarı Ev studios as part of the Maximum album (released by Stardium in the summer of 2007), achieved notable international success, earning 91 points in the 2007 OGAE Video Competition and placing Turkey in 4th position. Although not released as a single, the track remains a brilliant example of Tarkan’s songwriting talent at the service of other artists.

My strength and my resistance are gone. I am clearly running out. I’m like Majnun*, the crazy lover, but I’m fading day by day. I’m sick with you, I’m a certified lover, my heart beats fast, I’m a prisoner of your heart.

Püff! Blow, I’m burning away. I melt in the flames like a candle. Where is this heart? It’s crazy. I smoke for you. Puff! Blow, I’m burning away. I melt in the flames like a candle. Where is this heart? It’s crazy. I smoke for you.

Your eyebrows, your eyes, your neck, precious one. “Tütütütü”**, may God bless you. God created you with great care and attention. Your stature, your way of being, light up heaven and earth. “Tütütütü”**, may God bless you.

“Success comes at the end of patience”***. You’ll be mine, Inshallah. Püff! Take all that belongs to me. I sacrifice my life for you. I’ll give you all my respect, I’ll turn you into the crown on my head, you’ll see. I’m sick with you, but without you I’m worse. This is love, eyes are blind. Come and redeem me from this hell.

Püff! Blow, I’m burning away. I melt in the flames like a candle. Where is this heart? It’s crazy. I smoke for you.

Püff… Püff… I’m not one of those disciples you know, precious one. I am one of those who die for love, when I love, I truly love. Too much coquetry bores the lover, so don’t flirt so much. Hurry, don’t lose me.

Püff! Blow, I’m burning away. I melt in the flames like a candle. Where is this heart? It’s crazy. I smoke for you. Puff! Blow, I’m burning away. I melt in the flames like a candle. Where is this heart? It’s crazy. I smoke for you. Püff! Blow, I’m burning away.

Link video Püf

Cultural Notes:

• Leyla and Majnun: This story, also known as The Madman and Layla, is based on the true tale of a young man named Qays ibn al-Mulawwaḥ. Majnun, after seeing Layla, falls madly and deeply in love with her.
• “Tütütütü”: This is an onomatopoeic expression used to ward off the evil eye, and it’s impossible to translate literally. In Turkish tradition, it’s used to protect beautiful or successful people/things from envy.
• “(Sabrın sonu selamettir)”: This is a Turkish proverb meaning “Success comes at the end of patience” or “Patience leads to salvation.”

Written and composed by Megastar Tarkan, “Canımsın” is a gem that once again showcased his extraordinary artistic genius. This song is a prime example of Tarkan’s ability – often dubbed the “Prince of Turkish Pop” – to fuse emotion and melody in a way that deeply touches listeners’ hearts. Tarkan masterfully infused an emotional depth that transcends words, making the track a timeless masterpiece.

Ozan Çolakoğlu’s arrangements add a sonic dimension that further enhances the melody’s beauty, creating a perfect balance between modernity and tradition. The music video, directed by Metin Arolat, completes the work with evocative imagery that captures the song’s sentimental essence. Released on November 7, 1997, as part of Nalan Tokyürek’in’s album Usul Usul, “Canımsın” remains a milestone in the Turkish music landscape, thanks to Tarkan’s mastery, Çolakoğlu’s creativity, and Arolat’s artistic vision.

Let your face smile, my love, don’t cry. My eye hasn’t touched another eye, don’t hurt me. Don’t leave my hands without listening to me first. Don’t throw me into the fire, don’t take on my sins.

I can’t bear it, my dear, with your sea-like eyes, don’t be offended. I agree, put me in chains but don’t break me. I can’t sacrifice everything for you. I am a prisoner, die and let me die, don’t take away my sin.

It’s a lie, I swear it’s a lie… Don’t believe it, don’t be deceived. Useless hands lie.

You are my treasure, my treasure, you are my treasure. You are my bread, my water, you are my light. I am all yours, I am half without you. You are my arm, my wing, my light. Have mercy, come… Stop, stop, stop, don’t go…

My dear, you are my treasure. My bread, my water, you are my light. I am all yours, I am half without you. You are my arm, my wing, my light. Have mercy, come… Stop, stop, stop, don’t go.

My dear, you are my treasure. My bread, my water, you are my light. I am all yours, I am half without you. You are my arm, my wing, my light… Have mercy, come… Stop, stop, stop, don’t go.

Link video Canimsin

Megastar Tarkan isn’t just an extraordinary vocalist, but also a genius in musical songwriting and composition, and the song “Havalim” is a clear example of this. Although the track appeared on Yıldız Tilbe’s 1995 album Dillere Destan, Tarkan is the author of both the lyrics and the music, confirming his profound versatility. His interpretation of “Havalim” during the 1997 concert at Aya İrini, broadcast on the Turkish channel ATV, enchanted the audience, highlighting not only his vocal power but also the emotion and passion he infuses into every note. “Havalim” demonstrates how Tarkan is a complete artist, capable of transforming human feelings and experiences into musical works that resonate deeply with many.

It’s a long story full of love, An adventure full of madness. Secret glances… laughter… we secretly kissed for years. Will it continue like this from window to window? Roses wither, be mindful of time. For God’s sake, let’s go! Don’t give up. Be careful! Don’t yield. I will burn you! Don’t try to deceive me! Will it continue like this from window to window? Roses wither, be mindful of time.

No, impossible, impossible. You are mine, mysterious. I won’t let you be anyone else’s love. You are mine, my calamity. No, impossible, impossible. You are my mystery. I won’t let you be anyone else’s love. You are mine, my calamity.

My patience has run out… Come on, wake up, beautiful. Shall I open the curtains? I’m ready at any moment. Will this wait end? I’ve burned out like a candle. Sad hopes. Will it continue like this from window to window? Roses wither, be mindful of time. For God’s sake, let’s go! Don’t give up. Be careful! Don’t yield. I will burn you! Don’t try to deceive me! Will it continue like this from window to window? Roses wither, be mindful of time.

No, impossible, impossible. You are mine, mysterious. I won’t let you be anyone else’s love. You are mine, my calamity. I won’t let you be anyone else’s love. You are mine, my calamity. I won’t let you be anyone else’s love. You are mine, my calamity.

Link video Havalim

Note on the title: “Havalim” or “Hevalim” have the same meaning in Turkish and can be translated as “companion” or “lover,” but here the direct meaning of “companion” has been chosen.

“Kara Gözler” is an evocative track with lyrics and music entirely written by Tarkan, exploring the theme of seduction and the hidden danger behind a captivating gaze. This song, initially planned for the 1997 album Ölürüm Sana but ultimately not included, showcases Tarkan’s ability to create intense atmospheres and tell stories of passion and caution.

Tarkan performed the song, along with “Havalim,” during a memorable concert at Aya İrini, which was broadcast on Turkish television channel ATV. The live performance highlighted Tarkan’s expressive power, as he was able to infuse the deep emotion of his verses into the audience, solidifying his reputation not only as a performer but also as a brilliant songwriter.

I’ve hit rock bottom, look, I’m fading away. I’ve surrendered… to these black eyes. I’m burning out, it’s the end of the contagion. They’ve taken possession of me… these black eyes. I’m burning out, it’s the end of the contagion. They’ve taken possession of me… these black eyes.

It’s a fairytale with an unknown ending. A deep pain you realize too late. You’ll fall prisoner to wild people. Don’t trust these black eyes. It’s a fairytale with an unknown ending. A deep pain you realize too late. You’ll fall prisoner to wild people. Don’t trust these black eyes.

Don’t be deceived! Don’t believe them! Be careful! Don’t trust mean words. Love is a sultan who takes the morning under his protection… Don’t fall into temptation, resist before sin. Don’t be deceived! Don’t believe them! Be careful! Don’t trust mean words. Love is a sultan who takes the morning under his protection… Don’t fall into temptation, resist before sin.

It’s a fairytale with an unknown ending. A deep pain you realize too late. You’ll fall prisoner to wild people. Don’t trust these black eyes. Don’t be deceived! Don’t believe them! Be careful! Don’t trust mean words. Love is a sultan who takes the morning under his protection… Don’t fall into temptation, resist before sin. It’s a fairytale with an unknown ending. A deep pain you realize too late. You’ll fall prisoner to wild people. Don’t trust these black eyes.

Link video Kara Gözler

Specially created by Megastar Tarkan for New Year’s Eve, “Yeni Yıl Şarkısı” is a unique track that marked a special moment in Turkish television history. On December 21, 1996, Tarkan, fresh from America, performed this new composition for Kanal D viewers, transforming it into a musical greeting for the new year.

In addition to presenting his unreleased track, the celebrated Turkish pop singer enriched the evening by singing a selection of beloved classics with veteran names of Turkish music and performing remixes of his own hits like “Bekle,” “Seviş Benimle,” “Şeytan Azapta,” and “Şıkıdım.” “Yeni Yıl Şarkısı” is an example of Tarkan’s versatility and his ability to create tailor-made music for significant events, radiating a message of hope and renewal.

This morning, the darkness Was torn to pieces by little angels. The dawn was a sweet dream. Today, it was very beautiful to awaken to the truth.

Light, light, light, more light. Hope, hope, hope, more hope. New Year, make us feel young again and again. The only messenger of our hopes.

We are the youngest. We are the most open. We are the most ready. For the promises of happiness.

Light, light, light, more light. Hope, hope, hope, more hope. New Year, make us feel young again and again. The only messenger of our hopes.

We are the most in love – We are peace. We are the future – We are the future. We are waiting for you.

Link video Yeni Yıl Şarkısı

Written by Tarkan Tevetoğlu and composed alongside Ozan Çolakoğlu, “Ben Yanmışım” is a deeply emotional track performed by another icon of Turkish pop music, Ajda Pekkan. The song was released on June 11, 2012 (with a digital release on August 12, 2014) as part of Ozan Çolakoğlu’s debut studio album, 01, distributed by Doğan Music Company. On this same album, Tarkan also featured as a vocalist on “Aşk Gitti Bizden” (lyrics and music by Tarkan) and “Hadi Bakalım” (lyrics by Aysel Gürel, music by Onno Tunç).

“Ben Yanmışım” expresses the persistent pain and inability to move on after a breakup. The lyrics describe the struggle to forget a past love, feeling consumed by memories and unable to find closure, using metaphors like “burning” to convey the intensity of emotional distress. Tarkan’s songwriting mastery is evident in how he paints a scenario of profound nostalgia and attachment in a universally resonant way.

The joy and cheer of the morning have vanished since you left. Evenings no longer tasted the same. At night, I always called you, always called your name In the freezing embrace of solitude.

I said, “With time, I’ll get used to it, I’ll forget,” but I was wrong. After you, I couldn’t go my own way, I was stuck with you. I said, “One love leaves, a new one arrives,” but I deceived myself. After you, I never loved, I couldn’t love, I’m burnt, burnt.

Did you think you could take yourself away from me? Every memory of you is still at the center of my heart. No matter what I did, my darling, you cannot be forgotten. I’m still that madman, I’m still your prisoner. You know your beautiful face haunts me, Wherever I look, you are everywhere, in everything. Since you left, I haven’t been able to overcome this separation.

I said, “With time, I’ll get used to it, I’ll forget,” but I was wrong. After you, I couldn’t go my own way, I was stuck with you. I said, “One love leaves, a new one arrives,” but I deceived myself. After you, I never loved, I couldn’t love, I’m burnt, burnt.

Did you think you could take yourself away from me? Every memory of you is still at the center of my heart. No matter what I did, my darling, you cannot be forgotten. I’m still that madman, I’m still your prisoner.

Link video Ben Yanmışım

“Bu Kış Ne Olur Sev Beni” is a rare gem in Tarkan’s repertoire. It’s a track he wrote and performed in 1995 but was curiously never included in any of his official albums. However, this song found its place in the hearts of fans through live performances and appearances in interviews from that era, showcasing the Megastar’s prolific and versatile songwriting talent even outside his main discography releases.

The lyrics express a deep and melancholic plea for love, set against the coldness of winter—a period often symbolizing solitude and a need for emotional warmth. Through this melody and these words, Tarkan captures the essence of a sincere desire for affection and connection, demonstrating his ability to explore the most delicate nuances of human feelings.

Listen to my lament
Sing me your songs
I talked a lot
But I was wrong and fell
into the poison of love…
I took it well
But I got hurt and fell
into love’s dead end.
I had respect and learned to love
Put an end to this punishment,
to this injustice
Try to understand me!
Please, love me this winter…
I’ve spent years, seasons
sacrificing myself for you
but I’m tired…
Sing me your songs
Please, this winter
This winter…

Link video Bu Kış Ne Olur Sev Beni

“Ümit Hırsızı” is a powerful single, entirely written and composed by Megastar Tarkan, and released in 2019 by one of the most iconic voices in Turkish music, Bülent Ersoy. Tarkan himself enthusiastically shared this news on his social media, highlighting the significance of this track.

Also referred to as a work by the “Prince of the Bosphorus,” “Ümit Hırsızı” stands out for its emotionally impactful lyrics, which speak of liberation from a toxic love. It describes the decision to no longer be deceived, to erase past pain, and to protect oneself from someone who betrayed trust and stole dreams. It’s an anthem of resilience and the will to distance oneself from what hurts, demonstrating Tarkan’s ability to touch universal themes with profound sensitivity and determination.

I won’t be deceived so easily again. I won’t fall into the fire one more time. I left him once and for all. I’ve become wiser because of the suffering he caused me. In my heart there’s always the same chaos, the same pain. Finally, I erased that bastard from my mind. He always made me cry and made me suffer. He’s a thief who stole my hopes and dreams.

No no no, I don’t want him, no, I don’t want him anymore. I’ve suffered a lot, and I’ll keep my distance from love. No no no, I don’t want him, no, I don’t want him anymore. I’ve suffered a lot, and I’ll keep my distance from love.

He always threw me into wild flames. I’ve been consumed, and inside me I still feel a lot of pain. I won’t look at his face anymore, it’s a closed chapter, despite my destiny. In my heart there’s always the same chaos, the same pain. Finally, I erased that bastard from my mind. He always made me cry and made me suffer. He’s a thief who stole my hopes and dreams.

No no no, I don’t want him, no, I don’t want him anymore. I’ve suffered a lot, and I’ll keep my distance from love. No no no, I don’t want him, no, I don’t want him anymore. I’ve suffered a lot, and I’ll keep my distance from love.

Link video Ümit Hırsızı