Emel Mathlouthi (Arabic: آمال المثلوثي‎) also known as Emel and often refer… Read Full Bio ↴Emel Mathlouthi (Arabic: آمال المثلوثي‎) also known as Emel and often referred to as the "Voice of Tunisian Revolution" is a Tunisian singer-songwriter best known for her protest song Kelmti Horra ("My Word is Free"), which became an anthem for the Tunisian revolution and the Arab spring. Her first studio album, also titled Kelmti Horra, was released worldwide by Harmonia Mundi in 2012 to critical acclaim. Her second album, Ensen, was released by Partisan Records in 2017, also to considerable acclaim. In 2015 she performed at the Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony.

Başka Hayat
Emel Lyrics

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Bıraktığın yerdeyim bak
Oysa sen ay kadar uzak
Göğsümde uyuyan başka
Yaşadığın başka hayat
Üstelik utanmıyorum
Unutuldum unutmuyorum
Gülüp geçse cümle alem, inadına seviyorum

Değişmedim değişemem
Değişmek istemiyorum
Kavuşmak değildir aşk
Kavuşmamaktır biliyorum

Kim bilir kim daha akıllı
Korka korka yaşanır mı?
Kaçış olsa yürek hala
Sevdaya adanır mı?

İtiraf et aşk esastır
İstersen en dibe bastır
Güllerinden dar her gün
Eğer ölüm bir seni yastır

Değişmedim değişemem
Değişmek istemiyorum
Kavuşmak değildir aşk
Kavuşmamaktır biliyorum

Kim bilir kim daha akıllı
Korka korka yaşanır mı?
Kaçış olsa yürek hala
Sevdaya adanır mı?

Kim bilir kim daha akıllı
Korka korka yaşanır mı?

Kaçış olsa yürek hala
Sevdaya adanır mı?

Overall Meaning

In the song "Başka Hayat" by Emel, the lyrics depict a sense of longing and unrequited love. The singer expresses their current state, stating that they are still in the same place where the other person left them, while that person seems to be far away like the moon. The singer carries the memories of their past relationship in their chest, as the other person continues to live a different life. Despite this, the singer doesn't feel ashamed and refuses to forget, even if everyone else laughs and moves on. This suggests a deep and enduring love that the singer can't let go of.

The chorus highlights the singer's resistance to change and the desire to remain unchanged. They believe that love is not about finally being together, but rather about the pain of not being able to be together. The lyrics pose the question of who is wiser - someone who lives in fear and caution, or someone who dares to live fully? The singer contemplates whether the heart can still be dedicated to love even in the face of escape and struggles.

In the last verse, the singer challenges the listener to admit that love is essential and urges them to embrace it wholeheartedly, even if it means facing hardships. The line "If death is a shroud for you" suggests that the singer is willing to endure any pain or sacrifice for the person they love.

Overall, the lyrics of "Başka Hayat" convey a sense of longing, resilience, and the complexity of love. It explores the themes of unrequited love, the struggle between staying the same and embracing change, and the willingness to face hardships for the sake of love.

Line by Line Meaning

Bıraktığın yerdeyim bak
I am where you left me, look

Oysa sen ay kadar uzak
Yet you are as far as the moon

Göğsümde uyuyan başka
Another one sleeping in my chest

Yaşadığın başka hayat
Living a different life

Üstelik utanmıyorum
Moreover, I am not ashamed

Unutuldum unutmuyorum
I have been forgotten, but I don't forget

Gülüp geçse cümle alem, inadına seviyorum
Even if the whole world laughs and moves on, I love against all odds

Değişmedim değişemem
I haven't changed, I can't change

Değişmek istemiyorum
I don't want to change

Kavuşmak değildir aşk
Love is not about reuniting

Kavuşmamaktır biliyorum
I know it's about not reuniting