A major issue in the country is the poverty gap between the working class and educated upper class. They also address classism and the education system in Sri Lanka. The band doesn’t stop at criticizing politics, though. Ironically, he finishes the verse claiming that he doesn’t “know why” this happens so often.

As he sings “Dinapuwama morawage mahath wenne ai” (When you win you become big like a whale, why), he comically turns into a whale in the music video to symbolize how bloated politicians become with lies. Perera covers this in the first verse, singing about how the nation’s leaders have eaten the country alive with their greed and selfishness. Since the country got its independence from England in the ‘40s, Sri Lanka has seen countless corrupt politicians harm the nation. However, with the help of my Dad as translator, I soon learned that it covers heavy topics about issues that have plagued Sri Lanka for decades. 1 hit in Sri Lanka is a nonsensical song with no meaning. The band’s lead singer, Sunil Perera, has a voice that makes you feel as if you’re talking to an old friend full of wisdom, while the song manages to perfectly capture the essence of Sri Lankan island life.Īt first glance, The Gypsies’ No.

To non-Sinhalese speakers, the song’s English chorus that repeats the phrase “I don’t know why” sounds fun and comical. The moment the song is played at a Sri Lankan party, everyone hits the dance floor. With its groovy beat and reggae-like keys, it’s a typical Sri Lankan party song commonly known as Baila music. The track sounds like a laid back beach resort tune. The band’s biggest hit, “I Don't Know Why,” is a satirical protest about Sri Lanka’s corrupt politicians and social issues. But if there’s one thing I can relate to with my “aunties” and “uncles,” it's my love for The Gypsies. Straight out of the suburbs of Texas, I was born and raised an American. I’ve never spoken my parent’s native language, I hate cricket, and I can’t remember the last time I went to our local temple. Formed in the early 1970s, The Gypsies has been my own ticket into truly understanding my heritage as a Sri Lankan-American who has struggled with my cultural identity my whole life. Sri Lankans love three things more than anything else in life: dancing, booze, and The Gypsies.

Sri lanka sinhala song video