"Çal Kanunum Çal" (Play my zither, play) is a Turkish song composed by Yıldırım Gürses with lyrics written by Cengizhan Mutlu. This musical composition is performed in the Nihavend makam, a traditional Turkish musical mode, and follows a serbest rhythm, which means it does not adhere to a specific time signature.
Yıldırım Gürses, born on January 21, 1938, in Bursa, Turkey, left an indelible mark on the world of Turkish music as both a celebrated singer and composer. His journey from Bursa Erkek Lisesi to Ankara İktisadi ve Ticari Bilimler Akademisi paved the way for a remarkable career. Winning the Ankara State Opera competition in 1959 marked the beginning of his musical journey, although he soon shifted gears to secure the first position in the TRT Ankara Radio audition, where he continued to hone his talents while earning his university degree. His participation in the Golden Microphone Contest in 1965 with the song "Gençliğe Veda," for which he composed the music and lyrics, marked a turning point in Turkish music, ushering in a polyphonic era. Yıldırım Gürses became a prominent figure in popular Turkish music, producing numerous albums and even contributing to film soundtracks. His iconic compositions, including "Son Mektup" and "Sonbahar Rüzgârları," left an enduring legacy. Beyond his musical accomplishments, he was a passionate advocate for the rights of composers and lyricists, founding MESAM in 1986 to protect their interests. Yıldırım Gürses' music and influence continue to resonate, making him an enduring icon in Turkish music history. Yıldırım Gürses passed away on November 18, 2000, due to a heart attack, leaving behind a lasting impact on Turkish music and a rich musical heritage that continues to be celebrated today.
Turkish Lyrics
Gülmedi bahtım yine,
Bu sevdâ bitti, yazık.
İkimizin derdini,
Anlat kanunum artık.
Çileli başım gibi,
Gönül sırdaşım gibi,
Akan gözyaşım gibi,
Çağla kanunum artık.
Çal, kanunum, çal,
Derdini söyle bana.
Çal, çal, kanunum, çal,
Derdini söyle bana.
English Translation
My luck didn't smile again,
This love has ended, alas.
The troubles of both of us,
Tell them, my zither, now.
Like my troubled head,
Like the confidant of my heart,
Like my flowing tears,
Zither, tell it now.
Play, my zither, play,
Tell me your sorrows.
Play, play, my zither, play,
Tell me your sorrows.
