Istanbul Istanbul olali [English translation]

Lying down on a stone in the middle of Kanlica,

I make my tears swim towards Hisar,

There’s nothing left to do, (he) wanted to go and went away

Though I understand, it pains me deeply, as it ended so one-sidedly.

I now need the lodos*, a paddle, a boat

A few bottles of Ruby** in the hidden stash, both the earth and sky are red

I curse at whatever came and passed, if it’s vulgar so be it

The morning star, left from the evening, falls on me.

Oh, ever since Istanbul is Istanbul,

It’s never witnessed such grief

I’m dying from your love

There’s no trace of pride left in me.

Ever since Istanbul is Istanbul,

It’s never witnessed such grief

I’m dying from your love

There’s no trace of pride left in me.

What a pity, how man is defeated by himself,

No cure for betrayal has been found, the heart is an immense black void

Nothing can be done, that’s just how the heart is, it only loved

I’m about to know a new skin, a new excitement.

I now need the lodos, a paddle, a boat

A few bottles of Ruby in the hidden stash, both the earth and sky are red

I curse at whatever came and passed, if it’s vulgar so be it

The morning star, left from the evening, falls on me.

Oh, ever since Istanbul is Istanbul,

It’s never witnessed such grief

I’m dying from your love

There’s no trace of pride left in me.

Ever since Istanbul is Istanbul,

It’s never witnessed such grief

I’m dying from your love

There’s no trace of pride left in me.

• Artist:Sezen Aksu
• Album:Şarkı Söylemek Lazım (2002)