Call It Love
Nilüfer Yanya
The Duality of Love and Shame in Nilüfer Yanya's 'Call It Love'
Nilüfer Yanya's song 'Call It Love' delves into the complex emotions surrounding love, loneliness, and self-identity. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person grappling with the uncertainties of their feelings and the paradoxes of their existence. The recurring phrase 'My body's certain' juxtaposed with the uncertainty of the mind suggests a conflict between physical desires and emotional confusion. This duality is further emphasized by the imagery of being 'caught in a rip' and 'caught in a wave,' symbolizing the uncontrollable forces that pull the protagonist in different directions.
The chorus, 'Waited all my life, dear / Out those ashes I'll appear,' evokes a sense of rebirth and resilience. Despite the struggles and the irony of life, there is a persistent desire to emerge stronger. The repetition of 'Still before life! / Still ironic / Still I want it / Still alone!' highlights the ongoing battle between hope and despair. The use of 'ashes' suggests a phoenix-like transformation, where the protagonist seeks to rise above their challenges, yet remains isolated in their journey.
The most striking part of the song is the repeated line, 'Some call it love / I call it shame.' This powerful statement reflects the protagonist's internal conflict and the societal pressures that shape their perception of love. The 'flame' metaphor signifies both passion and destruction, indicating that what some perceive as love, the protagonist experiences as a source of shame and pain. This dichotomy underscores the complexity of human emotions and the struggle to reconcile personal feelings with external expectations.
Overall, 'Call It Love' is a poignant exploration of the multifaceted nature of love and the personal battles that come with it. Nilüfer Yanya's evocative lyrics and haunting melodies create a deeply emotional and thought-provoking experience for the listener.