LEARN A BIT MORE . . . Giye Giye Eskitmişsin Allarını
(You've Worn Out Your Tricks And Lies)
A Türkü from Kırşehir Province
Bozlak means “a cry, a scream” against the injustices of the world. Like all bozlaks, Giye Giye Eskitmişsin Alları is a bravura solo turn, here performed by Ismail Altunsaray, a star in the ranks of Turkish folk music.
Bozlaks generally incorporate a lengthy, complex saz introduction; a wavering tone of bitterness; a free flowing invention of words (rather than the strict X-beats-per-line of most Türkü); and a whimper of defeat and resignation at the end. It's a musical form found mostly in southcentral Turkey.
Different versions of this song exist on the Internet. This one is by the great Neşet Ertaş. Discussion goes on as to whether the song is a true bozlak, or an uzun hava (an unstructured air). It's a distinction for the experts and aficionados to sort out. Note, however, the use of an unfretted bass guitar - quite a modern instrument in Turkish folk music - to punctuate the end of each verse (quatrain).
GRAMMAR HINTS:
Al(lar) = old rural word meaning “tricks, lies, deceits”
gelsene beri = a rare but affectionate form of “come here!” Found also in The Book of Dede Korkut where Dirse Khan calls affectionately to his wife: "Come here, luck of my head, throne of my house / Beri gel, başımın bahtı, evimin tahtı!"
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