Canción Inútil

Attaque 77's 'Canción Inútil' is a poignant reflection on the lasting impact of Argentina's Dirty War, a period of state terrorism from the mid-1970s to the early 1980s, where many people were 'disappeared' by the government. The song's title, which translates to 'Useless Song,' suggests a feeling of helplessness and the inadequacy of words in the face of such profound suffering and injustice.

The lyrics recount a scene where a mother, in a police station, is desperately seeking information about her missing child, only to be met with the callous response, 'He must have done something.' This interaction highlights the cruelty and dismissiveness of the authorities during that era. The song's narrator, who was young at the time, identifies as the child of a disappeared person, and the lyrics express a deep-seated need for justice and accountability, calling for 'trial and punishment' for the perpetrators. The mention of 'escrache,' a form of protest where activists publicly shame human rights violators, underscores the community's demand for justice.

The song also touches on the theme of complicity and the importance of active resistance. It acknowledges that silence and indecision can make one an accomplice to injustice. The line 'Preventing is curing and fighting is the remedy' serves as a call to action, emphasizing the need to prevent such atrocities from happening again. Despite the song's title, it conveys a powerful message that to remain forever young and rebellious is a form of victory against oppression.