Patrick Burgess’ new single about an ‘ojek’ driver, ‘The King of Jakarta’ is a celebration of the richness and diversity of the city, told through the eyes of a motorcycle taxi driver, the ‘Emperor of the alleys’ who floats through the tiny lanes, backyards and gaps in the gridlocked traffic…

The King of Jakarta
Words and music by Patrick Burgess

I drive a motorbike taxi in old Jakarta
You can take a train or bus but I will be faster
I bump through lanes, over drains, through a hole in the wall
If you need to get there quick you better give me a call.
I’m the emperor of the alleys
The king of Jakarta

Our city’s filled with traffic, black with soot and dust
But she is our mother, we love her she loves us
Fifteen million children for the old dear to feed
We don’t get what we want, but we might get what we need.
I’m the emperor of the alleys
The king of Jakarta

Chicka chicka bang bang, chicka chicka bang,
Riding on the rail tracks because I can
Come up to a red light I don’t care
I got the green light baby, everywhere

I ride 16 hours every day, eight days a week,
Gotta get my seven dollars before I can sleep
I got eight kids at home, to feed and to clothe
In that one room kingdom I’m the Emperor of Rome
Yeah, the emperor of the alleys
The king of Jakarta

Chicka chicka bang bang, chicka chicka bang,
Riding on the rail tracks because I can
Come up to a red light I don’t care
I got the green light baby, everywhere

Jaka jaka jaka jaka jaka jakarta
That’s the name of the one I love
Ojek ojek ojek ojek ojek ojek jek
Put out your hand and I’ll be there
I’m the emperor of the alleys
The king of Jakarta

Well I love Jakarta and Jakakarta loves me
I feel like a king when I’m riding with my queen
If I get a little hungry she orders a feast
Every kind of food you’d want laid out on the street
For the emperor of the alleys
The king of Jakarta