Meaning of “Kavaklar” by Sezen Aksu
“Kavaklar” is a popular song by the renowned Turkish pop music singer Sezen Aksu. The song reflects themes of melancholy, longing, and memories, which are fairly common in Turkish songs and poetry.
Kavaklar, which means “Poplar Trees” in Turkish, uses the imagery of these trees as a metaphor, alluding to sentiments of sorrow, separation, and occasionally the strength and resilience to stand firm amid adversity. Poplar trees are a recurring symbol in Turkish poetry and music, often depicted as tall, lonely figures that withstand the test of time and elements, hence mirroring the emotions or states of the characters involved in the narrative of the song.
In “Kavaklar,” Sezen Aksu delivers the melancholic melody and lyrics with a soulful and emotional performance, exploring the internal world of the protagonist, who seems to be navigating through feelings of sadness, loneliness, and perhaps reminiscing about a lost love or a bygone era.
As is common with many of her songs, the poignant lyrics and melody intertwine to evoke a deep emotional response, enabling the listener to traverse through their own sentiments of longing and melancholy.
Release of “Kavaklar”
On 22nd February, 1988, “Kavaklar” was released. It was part of Aksu’s eighth album, “Sezen Aksu ’88”.
Who wrote the track?
Metin Altıok and Onno Tunç collaborated to work on this project.
Number of Spotify streams
To date, this track has been streamed over 4 million times on Spotify.
Sezen Aksu
Sezen Aksu is a highly influential Turkish pop music singer, songwriter, and producer. Born on July 13, 1954, in İzmir, Turkey, she has been a prominent figure in the Turkish music scene since the late 1970s. Aksu is known for her profound impact on the Turkish pop and world music scene, with her expressive vocal delivery and innovative works.
Often referred to as the “Queen of Turkish Pop,” her contributions to music have also allowed her to mentor and help launch the careers of other popular artists. Aksu’s music transcends borders and she enjoys a significant international following, especially in the countries that comprise the Turkish diaspora. Her work often tackles significant social issues, exploring themes of love, separation, pain, and melancholy, and her dynamic career has spanned decades, solidifying her legacy in the global music industry.
