Evelallah
Barış Manço
A Heart's Flight: The Yearning in 'Evelallah'
Barış Manço's song 'Evelallah' is a poignant exploration of longing and unfulfilled love. The title itself, 'Evelallah,' is a Turkish expression that can be translated to 'God willing' or 'with God's help,' setting a tone of hope and faith throughout the song. The lyrics convey the deep emotions of a lover whose heart is restless and yearning for his beloved. The repeated phrase 'Deli gönül uçtu haydin evelallah' translates to 'The crazy heart flew, come on, God willing,' suggesting a heart that is uncontrollably drawn towards the object of its affection, driven by an almost divine force.
In the verses, the singer recounts a dream where he saw his beloved and sought her out in the mountains and stones, symbolizing a quest that is both arduous and filled with obstacles. This imagery of searching in nature underscores the depth of his longing and the lengths he is willing to go to find her. The dream is interpreted as a good omen, a hopeful sign that his love might be reciprocated or that he might find solace in his quest.
The chorus, with its plea for the beloved to become his 'helal,' or lawful partner, emphasizes the desire for a legitimate and blessed union. The mention of Lokman Hekim, a legendary healer in Turkish folklore, who cannot find a cure for his burning heart, highlights the intensity of his emotional pain. This reference adds a layer of cultural depth, connecting the personal anguish of the singer to a broader cultural narrative of love and suffering. Through 'Evelallah,' Barış Manço masterfully blends personal emotion with cultural elements, creating a song that resonates deeply with themes of love, longing, and hope.