The band members actually started out as punks drawing some inspiration from Swedish folk music, but gradually the Oi! genre started having a greater influence on their development and around 1997/1998 Perkele became skinheads.
Despite their Swedish origin, perkele—the noun used for the band's name—is, in fact, a Finnish profanity. In a 2003 interview, lead vocalist and founding member Ron Halinoja cited his "roots in Finland" and the word's expressively vulgar nature as the main reasons behind choosing this for the band's name. Perkele claim to be strongly against all kinds of racism, nationalism, fascism, sexism, and homophobia as well as being opposed to hate, war, and environmental pollution. Despite this, in the past their appearance at traditionally left-wing events has caused controversy due to some of their songs featuring lyrical themes of Swedish and Finnish nationalist sentiments. Due to the background of their bassist Chris as an adoptee originally from Sri Lanka, the band have at one point experienced racist abuse from the audience at a concert in Belgium.
My Own Way
Perkele Lyrics
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You're telling me that I'm sick
I'm a product of today
A product of a sick society
Chorus 1:
You keep telling me that I'm wrong
But you can't stop me from fighting for my future
Because I deal with the problems in my own way
You are telling me that I'm wrong
You're telling me that I'm dumb
Cause I don't follow their lines
Cause I follow my own way
Chorus 1
You think that you are smart
You think that you are right
Cause you do what you are told
You dress like anyone else
Chorus 1
Chorus 2:
You keep telling me that I'm wrong
Because I deal with the problems in my own way
You keep telling me that I'm wrong
Because I deal with the problems in my own way
In Perkele's song My Own Way, the lyrics speak to the struggle of an individual in a society that does not understand or accept them. The lines "You're telling me that I'm violent / You're telling me that I'm sick" express the way that the singer is labeled and judged by those around them. However, they argue that they are simply a "product of today / A product of a sick society", suggesting that the violence and sickness they exhibit is a result of the world they live in.
The chorus then declares that the singer will continue to fight for their future, despite being told that they are wrong. The line "Because I deal with the problems in my own way" emphasizes the need for individuality and self-expression, rather than blindly following the rules set by society. The second verse continues this idea, with the lyrics "Cause I don't follow their lines / Cause I follow my own way". The singer is refusing to conform to the expectations placed upon them, instead choosing to pave their own path.
The song also critiques those who blindly accept society's norms and values, stating that "you think that you are smart / You think that you are right / Cause you do what you are told / You dress like anyone else". The chorus repeats the idea of dealing with problems in one's own way, emphasizing that individuality and non-conformity are essential for personal growth and progress.
Overall, "My Own Way" is a powerful anthem for those who feel like outsiders in modern society. It champions the idea of individuality and self-expression as a means of overcoming the challenges of a sick and violent social climate.
Line by Line Meaning
You are telling me that I'm violent
You accuse me of being violent
You're telling me that I'm sick
You say that there is something wrong with me
I'm a product of today
I am a result of today's society
A product of a sick society
A result of an ill society
You keep telling me that I'm wrong
You repeatedly assert that I am mistaken
But you can't stop me from fighting for my future
However, I will keep fighting for my future purposes regardless of your criticisms
Because I deal with the problems in my own way
I have my unique mode of resolving issues
You're telling me that I'm dumb
You are saying I am foolish
Cause I don't follow their lines
I do not conform to their standards
Cause I follow my own way
I follow my own path
You think that you are smart
You believe that you are intelligent
You think that you are right
You are convinced that you are correct
Cause you do what you are told
Since you follow orders
You dress like anyone else
Your appearance is the same as others'
You keep telling me that I'm wrong
You continue to insist that I am incorrect
Because I deal with the problems in my own way
My way of handling issues is criticized by you repeatedly
Because I deal with the problems in my own way
My unique method of solving problems is criticised by you frequently
Contributed by Samantha H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.