Ratas En Bizkaia
Eskorbuto
A Cry Against Pollution and Despair in Bizkaia
Eskorbuto's song 'Ratas En Bizkaia' is a raw and unfiltered portrayal of the environmental and social decay in the Basque Country, specifically in the region of Bizkaia. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a polluted and deteriorating landscape, where the inhabitants are likened to 'rats' living in a contaminated environment. The imagery of 'una gran nube sucia' (a big dirty cloud) and 'fachadas llenas de mierda' (facades full of filth) highlights the severe pollution and neglect that the area suffers from.
The song's chorus, 'Somos ratas en Bizkaia, somos ratas contaminadas' (We are rats in Bizkaia, we are contaminated rats), serves as a powerful metaphor for the dehumanization and marginalization of the people living in this polluted environment. The repetition of 'que naufraga' (that sinks) emphasizes the sense of hopelessness and despair, suggesting that the community is drowning in its own filth and neglect. This metaphor extends to the proud 'puente colgante' (suspension bridge) and the 'gran Nervión' river, which are both depicted as being tainted by excrement and foul odors.
Eskorbuto, known for their punk rock style and rebellious spirit, uses this song to criticize the industrial pollution and the socio-economic struggles faced by the people of Bizkaia. The band's raw and aggressive musical style complements the harsh realities described in the lyrics, making 'Ratas En Bizkaia' a poignant and powerful protest song. The song not only sheds light on the environmental issues but also on the broader social and economic challenges, urging listeners to recognize and address these pressing problems.