Turkish version of John Lennon song appears in U.S. TV show
Murat Evgin, who appears with his voice and arrangement in “Pluribus,” the new series by Breaking Bad writer and director Vince Gilligan, told Anadolu Agency that he has previously composed music for TV series such as Back Streets (Arka Sokaklar), Acemi Cadı, Elif, My Dear Mother (Canım Annem) and Wounded Birds (Yaralı Kuşlar), as well as several documentaries, CE Report quotes Anadolu Agency.
Evgin said he held an online meeting with renowned American music supervisor Thomas Golubic, during which he presented his compositions and songs. “He liked both my voice and my composing. One thing led to another, and we started talking about the project he was currently working on. He said the project needed covers of some famous American songs in other languages. He gave me a list. From that list, I noticed a John Lennon song that best suited my musical style—‘Nobody Told Me’. It turned out to be a song released after Lennon’s death. I translated it into Turkish, arranged it, recorded it, and it was well received,” he said.
Evgin explained that this was how the song ended up in the series, adding that it was a big surprise for him as well. “For a long time, I didn’t know which series it would be or on which channel it would air. They made me sign a confidentiality agreement. Even there, the real name of the series wasn’t written—it only had a working title,” he noted.
“They like our series, stories and music”
Murat Evgin said that the instruments, modes, and musical styles used in Turkish music are very appealing to foreign audiences. “They listen to it under the world music category. They like our TV series, our stories, our music, the locations, the beauty of our cities, and human relationships shown in the series—especially daily dramas. For example, our series Wounded Birds became the most-watched Turkish series in Colombian television history,” he said.
He added that he traveled to Colombia, gave concerts, appeared on television programs, and met Latin American families. “They told me, ‘During the pandemic, we couldn’t watch our own series with our children and grandchildren because they included violence or sexuality. But we could easily watch Turkish series, especially Wounded Birds, as a family. The respect shown to the elderly really touched us.’ Some human values truly resonate there,” he said.
“I’m surprised when I get work only for my music”
Evgin noted that in Turkey, some work opportunities progress through personal connections. “When I get a job in Turkey purely based on my work and my music, I’m surprised. But in the West, that’s how it really works. You don’t need to know anyone or share the same views—they look at your music and make a decision. You send your music, they either like it or they don’t,” he said.
Speaking about future projects, Evgin said he is currently translating some of his Turkish TV series music and songs into Spanish, as there is strong interest in Latin America. “They’re curious about what the lyrics mean. I’ve already translated some and recorded Spanish duets with Latin artists who are Grammy nominees. Now we’ll be shooting music videos for them,” he added.
Evgin also noted that Pluribus has achieved great success in the United States and has been nominated for a Golden Globe. He emphasized that he may again perform Turkish songs in other American or European series in the future.
“I want Turkish youth to open up to the world”
Evgin stressed that music clearly reflects a person’s character. He said that his musical style differs from that of his father, renowned singer Erol Evgin. “Although I started by composing songs for him when I was 17 or 18, our paths have since diverged. My style is closer to rock music. I produce film scores, write lyrics, and compose music. He continues in his own category in the best way possible. I think making music in two different characters is healthier,” he said.
Evgin added that he frequently visits universities and enjoys meeting students. “I’ve learned from them, and I’ve shared my own experiences as much as I could. When we first started making music, we learned a lot from previous generations—it saved us time,” he said.
He explained that he talks to young people about music, film and TV scoring, and representing Turkey abroad. “People often assume, ‘He already lives in the U.S.’ No, I live in Istanbul. Or they say, ‘He already has connections there.’ No, I didn’t. Today, it’s very easy to build connections online. Even the most influential people provide ways to reach them through their websites. That’s why I want Turkish youth not to be inward-looking, but open to the world. I always share whatever I know and can do with them,” he said.
Evgin’s Turkish adaptation of John Lennon’s “Nobody Told Me,” titled “Did We Really Live to See These Days?”, featuring his voice and arrangement, was heard by viewers at the end of the second episode of Vince Gilligan’s new series Pluribus.
