9 Zulo

Kortatu's song "9 Zulo" delves into the grim reality of violence and its aftermath, painting a vivid picture of a life cut short. The lyrics begin by stating that this is not a story of a victor but of a bird that has flown to the grave. This metaphor sets the tone for the song, indicating a tragic end. The friends of the deceased claim that it doesn't matter, suggesting a sense of resignation or perhaps a commentary on the futility of the situation. The deceased is described as someone who didn't care about money or appearances, emphasizing their purity or perhaps their disconnection from material concerns.

The song then shifts to a more surreal and macabre scene, where the body is buried, and a gathering of worms and maggots ensues. This imagery serves to highlight the inevitability of death and decay, a stark contrast to the life that once was. The eight usual holes of the body are mentioned, but there is an additional, ninth hole in the middle of the back, caused by a bullet. This ninth hole becomes a symbol of the violence that ended the person's life, an unnatural addition to the body's natural state.

The worms and maggots protest this ninth hole, and even the press takes notice, declaring it unjust. The song ends with a call to arms, suggesting that there are many "holes" in the mountains where weapons can be taken up against the enemy. This final line can be interpreted as a call for resistance or rebellion, a refusal to accept the violence and injustice that has been inflicted. Kortatu, known for their politically charged lyrics and punk rock style, uses "9 Zulo" to comment on the senselessness of violence and the need for action against oppression.