Les Wampas is a French punk band, formed in Paris in 1983. The group is chi… Read Full Bio ↴Les Wampas is a French punk band, formed in Paris in 1983. The group is chiefly famous for its frontman, real name Didier Chapedelaine, chief lyricist and singer. He deliberately sings off-key and often high-pitched, so has a recognisable voice. His on-stage energy, and crowd-surfing, are major features of the band's live shows, and, since the release of the album Kiss (2000), he comes into the crowd after each performance to hug members of the audience and give them a kiss on each cheek.

Oï
Les Wampas Lyrics

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Didier Wampas est le roi
Didier Wampas est le roi
Didier Wampas est le roi
Didier Wampas est le roi
Non, il n'a pas peur
Des skinheads grecs
Des skinheads grecs
Des skinheads grecs

Des skinheads grecs

Oï

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Les Wampas's song Oï are simple, yet powerful. They repeat the words "Didier Wampas est le roi" four times, emphasizing the band's admiration and loyalty to their frontman, Didier Wampas. The repetition creates a powerful chant-like effect, similar to the punk rock and Oi! movements from which the song takes its inspiration.

The lyrics also mention "skinheads grecs," or Greek skinheads. The mention of skinheads adds a layer of political and social commentary to the song. In punk and Oi! music, skinheads are often associated with far-right and fascist ideologies. By emphasizing that Didier Wampas is not afraid of Greek skinheads, Les Wampas could be seen as opposing these extremist beliefs and advocating for unity and acceptance.

Overall, the lyrics to Oï are short, but packed with meaning. They express admiration for the band's leader while also promoting social and political commentary.

Line by Line Meaning

Didier Wampas est le roi
Didier Wampas is the leader, the one in charge.

Didier Wampas est le roi
Again, emphasizing that Didier is in charge.

Didier Wampas est le roi
And again, Didier is being revered as the leader.

Didier Wampas est le roi
One last time, just in case anyone missed it, Didier is proclaimed as the ruler.

Non, il n'a pas peur
Didier Wampas is not afraid.

Des skinheads grecs
He is not afraid of Greek skinheads.

Des skinheads grecs
Repeating that he is not afraid of Greek skinheads.

Des skinheads grecs
Still not afraid of the Greek skinheads.

Oï
A rallying call, often used by punks and skinheads, to express a spirit of defiance and camaraderie.

Contributed by Adeline H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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