(also known as "Ağlasam Mı") is a celebrated Turkish folk song ( türkü ) written and composed by the legendary Alevi ashik and folk poet Aşık Mahzuni Şerif . Core Themes and Meaning
The opening lines, "The Lord gave two eyes saying 'Smile', I wonder if I should cry or not," reflect a deep internal conflict between religious/spiritual expectations and the harsh realities of life. Mahzuni Serifmevla Gul Diyerek Iki Goz Vermis
He references the historical figure Pir Sultan Abdal , a 16th-century poet who was executed for his beliefs, questioning if he too should face the gallows for speaking the truth. Lyrics Snapshot Original Turkish Lyrics Opening (also known as "Ağlasam Mı") is a celebrated
Pîr Sultan'lar gibi darağacını / Bilmem boylasam mı, boylamasam mı? Where to Listen Milletin sırtından doyan doyana / Yiğit muhtaç olmuş
The song is a powerful social and philosophical commentary. It begins with a personal spiritual dilemma but quickly transitions into a sharp critique of social injustice and poverty.
Milletin sırtından doyan doyana / Yiğit muhtaç olmuş kuru soğana.
You can find various recordings of this classic on Spotify , Apple Music , and YouTube .