Olsun
Sertab Erener
Embracing Change and Letting Go: The Poignant Journey in 'Olsun'
Sertab Erener's song 'Olsun' is a deeply emotional exploration of acceptance and the process of moving on from a significant relationship. The lyrics convey a sense of resignation and the inevitability of change, as the singer acknowledges that neither innocence nor freedom remains in their lives. The repeated phrase 'Bırak olsun' (Let it be) serves as a mantra for accepting the circumstances and allowing things to unfold naturally, despite the pain and loss involved.
The song's imagery is rich with metaphors that illustrate the singer's journey towards healing. The act of dividing up memories, such as taking photographs and seasons, symbolizes the division of shared experiences and the attempt to find solace in what remains. The mention of writing a letter heavier than the absence of the loved one, and taking a cat while calling for the mother, highlights the weight of loneliness and the search for comfort in small, tangible actions. The recurring line 'Ben giderim İstanbul senin olsun' (I will go, Istanbul is yours) signifies a final farewell to a place filled with memories, emphasizing the need to leave behind the past to find peace.
Erener's poignant lyrics also touch on the theme of self-reinvention. The singer talks about cutting her hair and drying a rose, actions that symbolize shedding the old self and the memories associated with the past relationship. These acts of self-care and transformation are ways to cope with the heartbreak and to start anew. The song's melancholic tone, combined with its hopeful message of moving forward, resonates deeply with anyone who has experienced the end of a meaningful relationship and the subsequent journey of self-discovery and acceptance.
'Olsun' is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of loss and change. It encourages listeners to embrace the pain, let go of the past, and find strength in the process of moving on, even when it seems insurmountable.