"Oh Soldier" song by Ramy Essam

أغنية "يا عسكري" لرامي عصام

Song

The song is addressed to young soldiers or conscripts in the Egyptian army who are starting their service (usually 18 years old). The singer is calling upon them to be aware of their oppressors and to side with justice and the people who need their help: "Stick to justice and wake up/ listen to your heart if only once/ it'll shake the jailor's throne".

The singer is drawing to their attention that they are from the masses, peasants and workers, and should listen to the oppressed and not be a tool in the hands of the oppressive regime.

Ramy Essam shot to fame during the 18 days of the Tahrir Square sit-in in 2011, with his song 'Irhal' ('Leave'). Following the military coup of 2013, Essam was forced to leave Egypt.

Lyrics by Amgad El Qahwagy, Mohamed Ibrahim, Galal El Behairy & Lynn Fattouh.

Ramy Essam and Andreas Unge via YouTube

YouTube Standard Licence

Arabic

25/02/2016