I am sure that most of you have by now heard of the song Despacito by Luis Fonsi and featuring Justin Beiber. This month it became the world’s most streamed song of all time with over 4.6 billion streams. In fact, you have probably seen the video and heard the song so many times that you are beginning to lose your grip on sanity. Everywhere you turn, the song or the video is playing for the umpteenth time.
Well, not in Malaysia. If you need relief, come to Malaysia. It is a Despacito free zone; at least you will not hear it on any government run radio station or see it on any government run or government related TV channels. The Malaysian government, at the behest of self appointed religious police, has declared the song lyrics obscene and banned the song.
These are the same people who recently tried to ban the use of names like hot dogs, pretzel dogs, Coney dogs etc because it was offensive to those who considered dogs to be unclean.
Anyway, being a passive aggressive squirrel, I have decided to do an act of civil disobedience by posting this cover version of the song that is being played using the traditional Malay “gamelan” instruments – although it is by a group from our neighbor, Indonesia.
………..because you just can’t stop the squirrel! Hope you like it.
Realm of the Lone Grey Squirrel 
On behalf of millions of Canadians, may I apologize for the Biebs. Sorry.
I have managed to avoid hearing this song. but I like this gamelan version.
SightLines,
It’s okay Canada – no one expects you to be perfect but you are still pretty good. I did not know much about this song but since posting it, I can’t shake it out of my head. Hope you were not similarly affected.
Reminds me of the squirrel in our maple tree who tries to tell me something every time I sit on our deck. I am very sheltered because even though I live in Canada, I have never heard the music before and have never heard the lyrics. Just a sheltered old lady I guess. I liked the musical instruments being played. Bravo!
Jane,
Perhaps that squirrel in your maple tree is trying to tell you something everytime. Perhaps you should stop to listen. Then again all he may be saying is “Lady, give me some nuts!”
No need to bother with the lyrics of the song, just glad you like the gamelan. I am always fascinated by the use of traditional folk instruments to play modern songs.
I probably shouldn’t admit this, but I kind of like that song. Especially after this video of the little girl who dances every time her dad plays the song (hope this shows up):
Secret Agent,
Actually, I like the song too. Just that I always rebel when a song is thrust in my face (or ears) 24/7. I also saw that video you shared about the girl dancing to the song. I enjoyed that too (she can really dance) and considered including it in the post but I couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling that the dad was crossing the line a bit and being a bit exploitative. I may be wrong but gotta go with my conscience.