Zeytin Gözlüm Sana Meylim Nedendir? - Selahattin İçli - 20th Century Turkish Music

"Zeytin Gözlüm Sana Meylim Nedendir?" was composed by Selahattin İçli with lyrics by Hüceste Aksavrın. The song is in the Hüseyni makam (mode) and has a Düyek usul (rhythm).

Selahattin İçli was a Turkish composer and ud player, born in İstanbul on October 6, 1923. He received his initial music education from his father, and continued to study makam and usul from him from the age of 12. He began his career as a doctor after graduating from İstanbul Medical Faculty in 1949, but continued to pursue music in his spare time. In 1981, he was appointed a teacher at İstanbul Technical University Turkish State Music Conservatory, where he taught composition. İçli is best known for his compositions in Turkish classical music. Some of his notable works include "Zeytin Gözlüm", "Gül Açılsın Dudağında Gülüver", "Hüzün Zaman Zaman Deli Dalgalarla Gelir", and "Ayrılık Var Çıkan Falda". He passed away on October 14, 2006.

Turkish Lyrics

Zeytin gözlüm sana meylim nedendir?
Bu sevmenin kabahati kimdedir?
Gül olmuşsun, dikenlerin bendedir.

Zeytin gözlüm, uzaklarda işin ne?
Şarkıları düşürürüm peşine.

Zeytin gözlüm, özlem ektim yollara.
Rast gelirsen, halimi sor onlara.
Gül kurusu akşamlar senden yana.

Zeytin gözlüm, uzaklarda işin ne?
Şarkıları düşürürüm peşine.

English Translation

My olive-eyed one, why do I have this attraction to you?
Who is to blame for this love?
You have become a rose, and the thorns are in me.

My olive-eyed one, what is your business in faraway places?
I chase after you with my songs.

My olive-eyed one, I have sowed longing on the roads.
If you come across me, ask about my condition.
Dry evenings are in your favor.

My olive-eyed one, what is your business in faraway places?
I chase after you with my songs.