Mehter refers to the Ottoman military band, known for its distinctive music and marching style. It's a culturally specific word that adds a unique flavor to the lyrics.
In the song, Hande Yener uses the phrase "Tersine mehter bi' ileri, iki geri" (Mehter in reverse, one step forward, two steps back). This clever metaphor describes someone who is making no progress, or even regressing, despite their initial grandiosity. It's an interesting and somewhat rare word to find in modern pop lyrics, making it memorable.
Ever run into someone from your past who has completely changed? In "Naber," Turkish pop star Hande Yener does just that, and she's not holding back her surprise. The title itself, "Naber?", is a casual Turkish way of saying, "What's up?", but the tone of the song is anything but casual. It's a sassy and sarcastic check-in with a former acquaintance who was once incredibly proud and arrogant.
The lyrics paint a picture of someone who used to be "flying in the skies" with a "pride like a mountain." But now, they've taken a huge fall. The singer is shocked, asking, "Is this real?" and describing their downfall as "one step forward, two steps back." With a touch of irony, she says everyone was worried because they hadn't heard from them, sarcastically asking, "Are you dead or alive?" The song's message is a classic tale of karma: life is tough, especially when you're alone, and maybe you should have thought about that before your pride got the best of you.