El Estado De Las Cosas

Kortatu's song 'El Estado De Las Cosas' delves into the emotional turmoil and existential frustration experienced when faced with societal and personal impotence. The lyrics vividly describe the burning sensation of helplessness ('la impotencia te quema la sangre') and the clouding of judgment caused by doubt ('la duda disipa la evidencia de las cosas'). This sense of uncertainty and lack of precision ('la falta de precisión') leads to a mental fog, where hatred becomes the guiding force ('es el odio, quien guía tus pasos'). Despite this, the narrator remains defiant, acknowledging that they are involved in a seemingly lost cause ('una causa perdida') but continuing to fight regardless.

The song also touches on the theme of permanence and inertia, suggesting that what is stable and permanent is often lifeless ('lo estable y permanente es algo inerte'). This lack of certainty corrodes the veins ('te oxida las venas'), further emphasizing the physical and emotional toll of living in a state of doubt and frustration. The repetition of hatred as a guiding force underscores the destructive nature of these emotions, yet the narrator's resolve remains unshaken.

In a powerful metaphor, the narrator compares their guitar to a weapon that doesn't fire bullets but still has a clear target ('mi guitarra no dispara pero sé donde apunto'). This imagery highlights the idea of fighting with art and expression rather than violence, suggesting that even in the face of despair, there is a purposeful direction and intent. The song's repeated refrain of 'pero no importa, aunque me digas' ('but it doesn't matter, even if you tell me') reinforces the narrator's unwavering commitment to their cause, no matter how hopeless it may seem.