Dhee - I Wear My Roots Like a Medal

Song Credits:
Composed/Written/Performed by Dhee
Produced by: Santhosh Narayanan, Aditya Ravindran, Dhee
Mix Engineer: Santhosh Narayanan
Assistant Mix Engineer: Rupendar Venkatesh, Sriram Ravi
Mastering by Alex Gordon
at Abbey Road Studios, London via Bohemia Junction Limited
Recorded at: Future Tense Studios
Language: English
Indian Percussions: Buddhar kalaikuzhu, Rajamelam Band Set
Additional Tech : Karthik Manickavasakam
Additional Percussions: Karthik Vamsi
Guitar & Ukulele: Aditya Ravindran
Bass: Naveen Napier
Background vocals: Santhosh Narayanan, Aditya Ravindran
Harmonica: Santhosh Narayanan

Special Thanks to Karthik Manickavasakam and Nidhi Saraogi

Children Chorus:
Sukhi
Rhea
Dhanya
Augustus
Ahana
Mithran
Krishaang
Shakti
Tara
Dhvani
Keerthana
Prarthana

Album Art: Lauraine Meyer

Music Video Credits:
Directed and Edited by: Amith Krishnan
Cinematographer: Abhimanyu Sadanandan
Production House: StudioMoca Productions Private Limited
Executive Producer : Manieesha Sambandam, Mohan Raj, AK Kamal
Choreographer: Neromie Sriragurajah
Assistant Choreographer: Praveeni Rasiah
Lead Dancers: Neromie Sriragurajah, Praveeni Rasiah, Anusha Viswanathan, Ashwanthi
Dancers: Dancers dream club
Steadicam Operator: Balaji Chakkaravarthy
Jimmy Jib Operator : Kasun Viduranga
Direction Team: Amrutha Unnikrishnan, Pavithran Venkatachalam, Harish Ragavendhar M, Hari
Ramanathan, Anna Mary Thomas, Pandiya Rajan
Assistant Cinematographers: Rayeez Ahmed, Shatakshi Podder
Stylist : Longchenti Longchar
Stylist Assistant : Limatola Longkumer
Dhee's Makeup and Hair: Paavana Mohan, Priyadharshini Srinivasan
Dancers Makeup and Hair: Soniya Rameshbabu, Aiswarya Raj
Nail Artist: Anmol Mutreja (Polish’d)
Art Director: VS Sinthu
Line Producer : Pranavaraj
Production Team: Suvikaran, Majithan, Pakirathan, Dharu, Nilosan, Sasi
Ronin Technician: Rajitha Nuwan
Camera Assistants : Arun Dasan, Karthik, Soundarapandian
Steadicam Assistant: Pushparaj Chithirai
Lights: Cinepro Lanka International Pvt Ltd, Feg International Pvt Ltd
DIT : Pathum Dananjaya
Colourist: Vyshakh Shivaganesh
DI Studio: Nube
Location Permissions:
T Piratheepan
Kabilan
Manimaran
Assistants
MSK Suvikan
Tamil
RK Rishanth
Catering: S S V Kanex food
BTS: AK Kamal Studios
Font and Cover art: Lauraine Meyer
Tamil Translation and Subtitles: Vathsan
Subtitles: Harish Ragavendhar

Special thanks to Kanmani (custom jewellery for Dhee and styling musicians), Varna Meena (styling musicans), Suresh P (EP)

Lyrics:

chorus
I was caught in the middle
spent way too long feeling lost and refused
now I got my foot on the pedal
so I wear my roots like a medal

Verse 1
At my grandma’s house
Jackfruit and puttu
Still a dinner time staple
I can’t leave here, I stay put
I can’t leave here, I stay put

Chorus
I was… I was… I was caught in the middle
spent way too long feeling lost and refused
now I got my foot on the pedal
so I wear my roots like a medal…

Verse 2
3 nought 4 with the neighbours
house number 14 got bodied
cards we’ve been dealt with are not in our favour
but we work better as a set

Chorus
I was caught in the middle…

Verse 3
Pig tails and long skirts
Bicycle rides to tuition
Uncle on the way in a red shirt
Dodging bullets with intuition
Khaki ain’t my colour
Camo ain’t a style
I wear my roots like a medal
I Wear my roots like a medal

Bridge
Generational traumas
fear and rest of the mental dilemmas
weighed heavy on me
I didn’t know how to make it stop
I didn’t know how to make it stop
I didn’t know how to make it stop

it was another night
catching a red eye
i met a girl named Karma
she said “traveller, skip the line”,
led the way to baggage drop
then, I flew leaving no footprints behind
for the first time
I tasted freedom
abandoned them baggages
never went to claim em’

My past is written on my body
My future is all in my mind
My past is written on my body
My future is all in my mind

I was caught in the middle
spent way too long feeling lost and refused
Now I got my foot on the pedal
So I wear my roots like a medal

-----

[INsty]

This song healed second-generation citizens living aboard who are stuck in the middle . Thank you, dhee. Your voice is a gift to our people .

[OmgitsNeens]

So glad this is getting appreciation on YouTube! The comment section on her insta is sadly toxic as fuck. She needs some love on there!

[mohangamlath]

Dhee I cried for thee at the end. Dear Dhee your roots are here in Sri Lanka !

[Dadsden]

Dhee.... always unique, always innovative! Love it my friend.

[Vasishtapenamakuri]

The perspective shift I had after really understanding what "Khaki ain't my colour! Camo ain't a style" means in terms of the history of the Srilankan Tamils and the politics. Massive respect.

[m.e.zz.e.m]

Very relatable. I've spent most of my living in NZ and Australia being born in Tamil Nadu. I've always had an identity crisis...but as Dhee put it crystal clear...I wear my roots like a medal!

[winnerman]

My love for Tamilians grows more after I have left chennai . I was there for 11 years completing my higher secondary school, ug and pg and the few years with my TASMAC machas 😂miss those golden years. Tamilians I should say are the best humans I have ever met till today. Honest, caring, no racist, very helpful and hardworking. Iam now married but one fine day I will surely visit the chennai. I miss those kolumbu, rasam, sambar, dosa, idli, biryani, Pongal, curd rice etc etc… all the food is too good…. 🤤…. Lots of love from nagaland ….

[rishjay]

What a masterpiece, beautifully done. Eventhough I'm Sinhalese this song really pierced me throughout my bones. I'm sure our Lankan Tamilians could deeply relate to this. I think if there could be an article interpreting the meaning of this song that would be priceless. I'm sorry for all the pain that was caused to everyone during the 30+ year Civil War.

[sandeepsai]

That uncle in the "Red Shirt" Dancing in Water .. ! ❤❤ .. ! Shot of the Millennium..⚡ Director 🙏

[the_cadlad_]

Yo I'm an American with Tamil roots and this song is amazing! Thx so much for representing the diaspora! ♥

[Saymi]

This is such a beautiful tribute to your roots. The lyrics "I wear my past on my body and my future is in my mind" are absolutely beautiful and will stay with me for a long time

[suhagshukla]

My new anthem. I'm a second gen Indian/Gujarati/Hindu American. Being able to wear our roots like a medal is a process, and songs like this, are the way to make that journey shorter and inspired!

[manojprasanna]

இவ்ளோ சேதிகள 'இலை மறை காயாக' சொல்ல முடியுமா?? யாரும்மா நீ Dhee? Made my

[Kacdchdes]

யாழ்ப்பாணம் (Jaffna) streets, Library, Puttu - Jackfruit combo, white school uniforms.
Dhee proudly showing her Eelam - Lankan Tamil roots 👑

[dvaraga]

Thank you for featuring Jaffna and Ceylon Tamils
🙏

[nirmala]

ஒண்ணுமே புரில ஆனா இசையும் குரலும் மீண்டும் மீண்டும் கேக்க வக்கிது 🎉❤

[GSPrasanthKumar]

Santhosh Narayanan and Dhee just redefined the pop music in a different style 💜🦋

[puddingstar]

I first began to know you through "Mainaru Vetti Katti, " and from that moment, I was drawn to your songs. Each one resonates with the beauty of our shared heritage and the enduring strength of Asian roots. This particular song is a powerful reminder of where we come from—our shared histories, the struggles, the triumphs, and the rich traditions that run through your veins as they do mine.

As a Burmese person, I feel deeply connected to the stories and experiences that have shaped us. You, with your vibrant reflection of Indian culture, carry forward the legacy of those who came before us. In you, I see a beautiful tapestry woven from the threads of history, tradition, and a unique spirit that defies the boundaries often imposed by society. Your identity is not just a blend of cultures; it’s a bold statement of resistance and pride in who you are.

I am incredibly proud of how you embrace your identity, not just as a reflection of the past but as a beacon for the future. In a world that often tries to define us by narrow standards, you stand tall, embodying the rich diversity and strength that our roots have given us. 🥰

Much love and respect for the incredible person you are becoming. Keep shining, keep celebrating your roots, and always remember that your voice is powerful, your identity is sacred, and you are deeply loved.

I look forward to hearing more of your lovely voice.

With admiration and affection,

A Boy from Burma 🤩

[ofrooooo]

English music’le tamil paatu keturken
Aana Tamil music’le English paatu ippo thaan pa kekuren

[asthane]

This song hit home. I felt every line. That last shot of grandma braiding her hair brought tears. ❤