M.I.A.

Lyrics

[Refrain]
London callin'
Speak the slang now
Boys say, "Wha gwan?"
Girls say, "Wha, what?"
London callin'
Speak the slang now
Boys say, "Wha gwan?"
Girls say, "Wha, what?"

[Pre-Chorus]
Slam!
Galang, galang, galang
Ga-la, ga-la, ga-la
Lang-ga-lang, galang
Shotgun, get down
Get down, get down, get down
Ge-d-, ge-d-, ge-d-down, g-down, g-down
Too late, you down
D-down, d-down, d-down
Ta-na, ta-na, ta-na
Ta-na, ta-na-ta

[Chorus]
Blaze a blaze, galang-a-lang-a-lang-lang
Purple haze, galang-a-lang-a-lang-lang
Blaze a blaze, galang-a-lang-a-lang-lang
Purple haze, galang-a-lang-a-ang-lang
[Verse 1]
Who the hell is huntin' you
In the BMW?
How the hell he find you?
147'd you
Feds gon' get you
Pull the strings on the hood
One paranoid youth
Blazin' through the hood
Who the hell is huntin' you
In the BMW?
How the hell he find you?
147'd you
Feds gon' get you
Pull the strings on the hood
One paranoid youth
Blazin' through the hood

[Chorus]
Blaze a blaze, galang-a-lang-a-lang-lang
Purple haze, galang-a-lang-a-lang-lang
Blaze a blaze, galang-a-lang-a-lang-lang
Purple haze, galang-a-lang-a-ang-lang

[Refrain]
London callin'
Speak the slang now
Boys say, "Wha gwan?"
Girls say, "Wha, what?"
London callin'
Speak the slang now
Boys say, "Wha gwan?"
Girls say, "Wha, what?"
[Verse 2]
They say
Rivers gonna run though
Work is gonna save you
Pray and you will pull through
Suck a dick'll help you
Don't let 'em get to you
If he's got one, you get two
Backstab your crew
Sell it, I could sell you
They say
Rivers gonna run though
Work is gonna save you
Pray and you will pull through
Suck a dick'll help you
Don't let 'em get to you
If he's got one, you get two
Backstab your crew
Sell it I could sell you

[Chorus]
Blaze a blaze, galang-a-lang-a-lang-lang
Purple haze, galang-a-lang-a-lang-lang
Blaze a blaze, galang-a-lang-a-lang-lang
Purple haze, galang-a-lang-a-ang-lang
Blaze a blaze, galang-a-lang-a-lang-lang
Purple haze, galang-a-lang-a-lang-lang
Blaze a blaze, galang-a-lang-a-lang-lang
Purple haze, galang-a-lang-a-ang-lang
[Outro]
Ya-ya hey
Woah eh-oh-eh-oh-oh-oh
Ya-ya yay
Ya-ya hey
Woah eh-oh-eh-oh-oh-oh
Ya-ya yay
Ya-ya hey
Woah eh-oh-eh-oh-oh-oh
Ya-ya yay
Ya-ya hey
Woah eh-oh-eh-oh-oh-oh
Ya-ya yay
Ya-ya hey
Woah eh-oh-eh-oh-oh-oh
Ya-ya yay
Ya-ya hey
Woah eh-oh-eh-oh-oh-oh
Ya-ya yay

Galang by M.I.A. is a high-intensity, dancefloor-filling track that combines elements of dancehall, grime, and electronic music. The song showcases M.I.A.'s unique sound and style, combining her bold lyrical content with an infectious beat that is sure to get any party started.

About Galang

M.I.A. burst onto the music scene in the mid-2000s with her eclectic blend of hip hop, reggae, and electronic music. Her debut album, Arular, received widespread critical acclaim, and Galang was one of the album's standout tracks.

Galang is a track that embodies M.I.A.'s political and social commentary. The lyrics are an exploration of identity and the experiences of immigrants in UK society. M.I.A.'s own heritage - she was born in Sri Lanka - is reflected in the lyrics: "Like P.L.O, I don't surrender."

The song's production is equally powerful, with a pulsating bassline and infectious melodies that stick in your head long after the song has finished. The track combines elements of dancehall, grime, and electronic music, creating a fresh and unique sound that is instantly recognizable as M.I.A.'s.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Galang is its accessibility. The track appeals to a wide range of listeners, from fans of mainstream pop to underground dance music. It was a huge success upon its release, receiving heavy rotation on radio stations and clubs around the world.

In terms of production, Galang is a masterclass in how to create a track that is both complex and catchy. The dense layers of percussion and synthesizers create a wall of sound that is both intricate and easy to dance to.

M.I.A.'s vocal performance is another highlight of the song. Her combination of fierce rapping and soaring melodies creates a sense of urgency and emotion that is hard to ignore. The chorus, with its repeated refrain of "Galang-a-lang-a-lang-a-lang," is both catchy and somewhat mysterious, adding an element of intrigue to the song.

Galang has become a cult classic in the years since its release, inspiring countless remixes and covers. It remains one of M.I.A.'s most beloved tracks, a testament to her unique vision and sound.

In the end, Galang by M.I.A. is a song that demands attention. It is a call to arms, a dancefloor anthem, and a powerful political statement all rolled into one. Whether you're a longtime fan of M.I.A. or a newcomer to her music, Galang is a track that is not to be missed.

• Release Date: October 11, 2005
• Artist: M.I.A.