Oye Ojaye

We went on a jungle trip for fun
Still remember everything that happened that day
Traveling far, we reached a remote village of Veddas
We met hunters deep in the great forest
They came out and warmly welcomed us
With joy and laughter
Oye Ojaye, Oye Ojaye…

They brought bows, arrows, and axes
Showed us their weapons and handmade crafts
They served honey and grilled meat of deer and buffalo
Gave us food and added music too
They sang and danced traditional Vedda songs
With happiness
Oye Ojaye, Oye Ojaye…

The Vedda chief’s daughter, Gomari, was beautiful
We’d never seen a girl like her even in the city
Even though I was falling for her, she was hard to win over
I was scared — she seemed sharp-tongued and bold
But I was drawn in — her words were sweet

There was no division — only unity and cooperation
Such good values we saw among the Veddas
Why isn’t there the same unity in our city lives?
That’s what we wondered as we returned
Even now, the jungle echoes with their songs
Ojaye…
Oye Ojaye, Oye Ojaye…

“Oye Ojaye,” performed by The Gypsies, is a high-spirited, playful song that carries deeper social reflections beneath its upbeat rhythm. At first glance, it’s a humorous account of a group’s wild adventure into the jungle, but underneath the laughter is a commentary on community, simplicity, and harmony — as observed through the lives of Sri Lanka’s indigenous Vedda people.

The song opens with a group of friends going on a “dadayama” (hunting-style) jungle excursion. They travel far and reach a Vedda village, where they are warmly welcomed. This sets the tone: curiosity leads to connection. There’s no fear or rejection, only hospitality, food, song, and dance.

The descriptions are colorful and vivid — bows and arrows, honey and grilled game meat, forest music, and tribal dances. The chorus “Oye Ojaye” echoes joyfully through the song, almost like a chant of celebration, mimicking the rhythm of jungle drums or traditional Vedda chants.

But the song’s cleverest twist is the flirtation with Gomari, the chieftain’s daughter. She’s bold, beautiful, and unforgettable — not just a figure of attraction but a symbol of strength and independence. The singer’s playful fear of her directness and strong personality adds a comedic layer while also highlighting respect for her character.

The final verse is where the song pivots from fun to meaning. It praises the unity, cooperation, and harmony found among the Vedda people — qualities seemingly absent in modern urban society. It gently questions: If they can live with such peace and values, why can’t we? It’s a message delivered through rhythm and humor but leaves the listener with something to think about.

“Oye Ojaye” is one of those translated Sinhala songs that bridges cultures with humor and humanity. It celebrates tradition, diversity, and simple joy while nudging us to reflect on the ways we’ve drifted from connection and community. Wrapped in catchy choruses and cheeky storytelling, it reminds us that sometimes the deepest wisdom lives far from the cities — in the heart of the forest, sung in the voices of those who live closest to nature.