Soldadito de Plomo
Desobediencia Civil
A Cry Against Militarism: The Message of 'Soldadito de Plomo'
Desobediencia Civil's song 'Soldadito de Plomo' is a powerful and raw critique of militarism and institutionalized violence. The lyrics vehemently oppose the existence of armies, portraying them as instruments of oppression rather than protectors of peace. The song opens with a stark declaration of 'legalized terrorism' and 'institutionalized violence,' setting the tone for a scathing indictment of military forces. The band argues that where there are armies, there is no peace, only war, death, hatred, and sadness. This sentiment is reinforced with the assertion that armies prevent the arrival of peace and never provide true security.
The song delves deeper into the consequences of militarism, highlighting the brutal reality faced by those who oppose it. The lyrics describe how cries for justice are met with bullets, and the pleas of the people are silenced with machine guns. The song paints a grim picture of the military's willingness to commit atrocities, including rape, torture, and massacre, to suppress those who seek freedom. This portrayal underscores the band's view of the military as an inhumane and oppressive force.
In the chorus, the song calls for a rebellion against soldiers who protect tyrants and serve the interests of the bourgeoisie. The repeated refrain of 'Ejercito humillante, represivo y prepotente' (humiliating, repressive, and arrogant army) emphasizes the band's disdain for the military. The song concludes with a rallying cry for unity and resistance, urging people to rise against the oppressive forces and reject the soldiers who serve the interests of the powerful. 'Soldadito de Plomo' is a passionate and unflinching call to action against militarism and the systemic violence it perpetuates.