J.U.F., (Jewish-Ukrainishe Freundschaft), is a collaboration between member… Read Full Bio ↴J.U.F., (Jewish-Ukrainishe Freundschaft), is a collaboration between members of Gogol Bordello and Balkan Beat Box released in 2004 by Stinky Records. The name is obviously inspired by the German punk-industrial band DAF (Deutsch-Amerikanische Freundschaft), which again was inspired by GDR state organization Deutsch-Sowjetische Freundschaft (German-Soviet Friendship).

The second "J.U.F. 2" album, entitled "Balkan Reggaeton" was set to come out in 2008, but was never released.

Gypsy Part of Town
J.U.F. Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Well I've been reading some texts in my dreams
They went for pages
And I've been watching the wolves
They broke out of cages

And how fallowing dirty old useless clown
Gadjo gets lost in a gypsy part of town...

So be I gagged or bound, lobotomized, sedated
My foundations are too deep to penetrate it

And let your girl scouts lip-synch about the freedom
Just the way you like them, but you'll see them
Soon enough they all turn around
Soon enough you'll see them in a gypsy part of town...

I kept on reading the texts, they went for pages
I looked at the guards, they were burning stages
I smiled at the world, there will be some changes

I winked at the wolves and they broke out of cages
Lets go... Kuravla

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of J.U.F.'s song "Gypsy Part of Town" are rife with metaphorical language that speaks to the oppression of a marginalized people fighting for their freedom. From the opening lines, the singer describes reading texts in their dreams that go on for pages, which suggest a deep knowledge or understanding of an issue. Meanwhile, the wolves breaking out of cages can represent the struggles of a group of people who are oppressed and seeking liberation.

The lyrics then turn to the imagery of a Gadjo, or a non-Roma outsider, who gets lost in a gypsy part of town. This can represent an individual who is unaware of or insensitive to the struggles of a minority group and the injustices they face. The lyrics suggest that no matter how much the Gadjo is bound, gagged, lobotomized, or sedated, they cannot penetrate the deep foundations of the oppressed people's fight for freedom.

Finally, the lyrics conclude with a call to action for change. The singer smiles at the world, indicating a willingness to fight for change, and the wolves breaking out of cages suggest a revolution or uprising to achieve justice. The use of the word Kuravla, a Roma curse word, can be seen as a symbol of revolt against the status quo.

Line by Line Meaning

Well I've been reading some texts in my dreams
I have been unconsciously absorbing information that runs for pages

They went for pages
The information in my dreams is lengthy and detailed

And I've been watching the wolves
I have been observing the behavior of powerful and potentially dangerous animals

They broke out of cages
The wolves have escaped confinement and are free to act as they please

And how fallowing dirty old useless clown
A clueless outsider is foolishly following the wrong people into unfamiliar territory

Gadjo gets lost in a gypsy part of town...
Someone who does not understand the ways of the people in a certain area becomes disoriented and lost in that neighborhood

So be I gagged or bound, lobotomized, sedated
Even if I am silenced, restrained, or subjected to medical procedures to alter my mental state

My foundations are too deep to penetrate it
My core beliefs are unshakable and will not be changed

And let your girl scouts lip-synch about the freedom
People who are ignorant about true freedom can pretend to have it while performing in a safe, controlled environment

Just the way you like them, but you'll see them
The illusion of freedom is fleeting and will eventually be exposed as false

Soon enough they all turn around
People will eventually realize that their supposed freedom was never real, and they will become disillusioned

Soon enough you'll see them in a gypsy part of town...
These naive individuals will eventually find themselves lost and confused in a foreign and dangerous area

I kept on reading the texts, they went for pages
I continue to absorb information that is extensive and detailed

I looked at the guards, they were burning stages
I witnessed the downfall of those in power, who are now experiencing their own ruin

I smiled at the world, there will be some changes
Although the situation is bleak, I hold onto hope that things will eventually improve

I winked at the wolves and they broke out of cages
I have a unique ability to affect change and influence those who hold power

Lets go... Kuravla
A call to action to proceed with confidence and strength

Contributed by Aubrey A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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