Mor ve Ötesi was formed in 1995 with the line-up of Kerem Kabadayı (drums), Harun Tekin (vocals & guitar), Derin Esmer (vocals & guitar) and Alper Tekin (bass), who were then students at the Deutsche Schule Istanbul. They released their first album Şehir ("The City") in September 1996 and played their first live concert in Ankara. That year, Burak Güven replaced Alper Tekin on bass.
Bırak Zaman Aksın ("Let Time Flow"), their second album was released in January 1999 to massive success. Just after its release, Derin Esmer moved to the USA and was replaced by prominent guitarist Kerem Özyeğen. After the devastating 1999 Kocaeli earthquake, Mor ve Ötesi started playing more on social and political themes. They were also very active in the opposition against the use of nuclear energy in Turkiye.
In August 2001, they released their third album, Gül Kendine ("Smile at Yourself"). With Kerem Özyeğen, there was a noticeable change in the music, and after 17 August there was a noticeable change in lyrics. In October 2002, Mor ve Ötesi's released the Yaz EP, which included a cover of the Ajda Pekkan song Yaz Yaz Yaz.
Their fourth album Dünya Yalan Söylüyor ("The World is Lying") was released in March 2004. The album became their most popular album in Turkiye, reaching 250.000 sales. Since their previous work was not as well known, many new fans were not aware that they weren't a new band. Although this album has been their best selling album, it is not admired by their old fans as much as their previous work, and some have even seen it as "sell-out". The album contained considerable political criticism against the activities of the USA both in Iraq and the rest of the world. In the same year they received a Golden Orange Award for their single "Bir Derdim Var".
Their fifth album Büyük Düşler ("Great Hopes") was released on May 9, 2006. This is an album mainly dealing with the political problems of Turkiye and the personal problems of the group members, including loss of family members and their relationships. It has a darker sound compared to their previous albums. This album is regarded as a homage to their old fan base and a return to a style closer to their earlier albums. Three singles were released from the album: "Şirket", "Küçük Sevgilim", and "Ayıp Olmaz Mı?". Büyük Düşler was named Best Album of the Year by Rolling Stone Turkiye and Best Rock Album of the Year by Blue Jean magazine.
On December 10 2007 TRT's general manager İbrahim Şahin announced that Mor ve Ötesi were to represent Turkiye in Eurovision Song Contest 2008 with the song 'Deli'. Mor ve Ötesi finished 7th in contest, which was held in Belgrade on 22 May 2008. During the contest, BBC commentator Sir Terry Wogan described the lead singer as "a sinister James Bond".
The band's sixth album, Başıbozuk, was released in late 2008, and included three studio and four live tracks, including their Eurovision entry, as well as remixes.
Their seventh album "Masumiyetin Ziyan Olmaz" ("Your Innocence Won't Go To Waste") came out in 12 May 2010. The first video clip was "Yorma Kendini"
Reality
Mor ve Ötesi Lyrics
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Let me be
Sagacious guide
To the fires of their faces
To the deserts of loneliness
To the home of fatal truth
Let me take you there
The song "Reality" by Mor ve Ötesi is an contemplative and introspective piece that urges the listener to see the truth as it is, but also offers guidance and support throughout that difficult journey. The opening lines "So you want to see the truth, let me be sagacious guide" set the tone for the song and immediately establish that the ultimate goal here is to get to the root of things, to pierce through illusions and falsehoods, and reach a state of clarity.
The lines "To the fires of their faces, to the deserts of loneliness" suggest a certain inward-directedness and introspection. The fires of their faces hint at anger and frustration while the deserts of loneliness indicate a sense of isolation and emotional barrenness. The song's title suggests that the harsh realities of life are what we need to face, and it is only through confronting these that we can find meaning and purpose.
The final lines "To the home of fatal truth, where you hear its heart beat, let me take you there" are particularly powerful, conveying a sense of urgency and a desire to find the truth even if it is difficult and painful. The "fatal truth" is the truth that can change everything, the kind of truth that is liberating but can also be scary. The idea of hearing its heart beat echoes the idea that the truth is alive and real, and not just an abstract concept.
Line by Line Meaning
So you want to see the truth
You seem eager to uncover the truth behind something.
Let me be
Allow me to assist you in this quest for truth.
Sagacious guide
I am here to guide you with my wisdom.
To the fires of their faces
We will confront those who hide behind a facade.
To the deserts of loneliness
We will explore the isolating nature of truth-seeking.
To the home of fatal truth
We will arrive at a place where the truth can have dire consequences.
Where you hear it's heart beat
We will be in a place where the truth is palpable and powerful.
Let me take you there
Trust in me and follow my lead to find the truth you seek.
Contributed by Julia J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.