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.
Roots
Perkele Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
and all the fun that we had
also the days of sorrow
also the days of pain
it has formed me to the one i am
it gave me a lot of strength
try to remember look back in time
don't forget your roots
remember your
remember your roots
it made you what you are
remember your
remember your roots
can't live in shame because of your roots
it's a part of you and me
some of those are sad
it's the way it got to be
it hase made us all to what we are
and learned us a lot of things
open your eyes and never deny
don't forget your roots
The lyrics of the song Roots by Perkele talks about reminiscing on the past, particularly on the happy and sad moments which made the persona into the person they are now. The song encourages everyone to stay true to their roots and to never deny where they came from. The lyrics emphasize that the good and bad experiences one went through in life have helped shape their character and given them the strength to overcome obstacles. The song wants its listeners to open their eyes and see the lessons learned from their past, including the ones that may be difficult to accept or remember.
Overall, Roots is a song that promotes self-awareness and acceptance of the past. The importance of comprehending and embracing one's roots, be it joyful or painful, is stressed in the lyrics. It encourages a positive outlook, reminding listeners how past experiences have helped them culturally, socially, and emotionally. The song's message is about staying true to oneself, connected to one's family, and cultural heritage because one's history can't be changed, only embraced.
Line by Line Meaning
I remember when i was a kid
Reflecting back on the times of childhood
and all the fun that we had
Recalling the joyful moments with loved ones
also the days of sorrow
Acknowledging the difficult times experienced
also the days of pain
Recognizing the struggles faced
it has formed me to the one i am
Admitting that past experiences have influenced current persona
it gave me a lot of strength
Accepting that obstacles and hardships have built resilience
try to remember look back in time
Encouraging the act of reminiscing
don't forget your roots
Emphasizing the importance of remembering one's upbringing
remember your
Continuing the theme of reminiscence
remember your roots
Reiterating the need to remember one's origin
it made you what you are
Asserting that one's past has shaped their present self
can't live in shame because of your roots
Discouraging negative attitudes towards one's past
it's a part of you and me
Highlighting the fact that upbringing is shared by all
some of those are sad
Acknowledging that some memories may be unpleasant
it's the way it got to be
Realizing that certain experiences were inevitable
it hase made us all to what we are
Concluding that previous experiences have influenced entire society
and learned us a lot of things
Noticing that challenges led to valuable knowledge
open your eyes and never deny
Encouraging acceptance of one's past
don't forget your roots
Closing with a final reminder to cherish one's upbringing
Contributed by Kaelyn C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Mikko Valkama
Dom är för jävla bra !
Svenskochstolt1
Jag gillar den här musiken :D jag gillar även nationalistisk musik som Ultima Thule,Karolinerna och andra :) Men Ultima Thule och Perkele kommer alltid ligga på delad första plats eftersom båda banden är så jävla bäst!! För fosterlandet Sverige!
Arkan
Perkele it's good band. Oi from Czechoslowakia!!!
SaLsAk1nG23
This was made for me!
Mads Madsen
Only Perkele song that bites
Jonna Svensson
I like the end, it reminds me of a true worcing-class hero, Edith Piaf.
Kye Sullivan
I guess it's kind of off topic but does anybody know of a good website to watch new movies online?
Howard Talon
@Kye Sullivan Flixportal :D
Kye Sullivan
@Howard Talon thank you, signed up and it seems like a nice service :) I really appreciate it!
Howard Talon
@Kye Sullivan no problem =)