Şu Kanlı Zalim

Hasret Gültekin's song 'Şu Kanlı Zalim' is a poignant exploration of betrayal, suffering, and the deep emotional wounds inflicted by those we trust the most. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the pain caused by a 'kanlı zalim' (bloody tyrant), whose actions have left the narrator feeling like a wounded nightingale. The metaphor of stones raining down like a storm on the narrator's head emphasizes the relentless and overwhelming nature of this betrayal. Despite the external hardships, it is the betrayal by a friend ('dost') that cuts the deepest, symbolized by the line 'İlle dostun bir fiskesi yareler beni' (Only a friend's flick wounds me).

The song delves into the theme of isolation and the revelation of true friends and enemies during times of hardship. The narrator reflects on how their true allies and adversaries have become apparent in their darkest moments. The imagery of the 'ecel fermanı' (death warrant) hanging around the narrator's neck signifies the inevitability of suffering and the looming presence of death. This sense of fatalism is further underscored by the line 'Gerek assa gerek vuralar beni' (Whether they hang or strike me), indicating a resignation to whatever fate may bring.

In the final verse, the song references Pir Sultan Abdal, a revered figure in Turkish Alevi culture known for his resistance against oppression. The narrator, identifying with Pir Sultan Abdal, expresses a sense of spiritual resilience, stating that their soul will not ascend to the heavens unless commanded by divine will. The line 'Şu ellerin taşı hiç bana değmez' (The stones of these hands never touch me) suggests that the physical harm inflicted by others is insignificant compared to the emotional wounds caused by a friend's betrayal. The song concludes with a powerful assertion of the enduring pain caused by such betrayal, encapsulating the profound emotional turmoil experienced by the narrator.