Hernani 15 de Julio de 1984

Kortatu's song 'Hernani 15 de Julio de 1984' delves into the harrowing experience of a nightmare that reflects the intense political and social turmoil in the Basque Country during the 1980s. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a terrifying dream where the protagonist's room is engulfed in flames, and a grenade sets everything ablaze. This imagery symbolizes the chaos and violence that were rampant during that period, particularly the conflict between Basque separatists and Spanish authorities.

The protagonist's actions in the dream, shooting amidst the flames and being pursued by 'green shadows,' likely represent the Guardia Civil, a Spanish military force known for its role in suppressing Basque separatism. The mention of 'asesinos a sueldo' (hired killers) and the 'buena recompensa por un etarra muerto' (good reward for a dead ETA member) underscores the brutal reality of targeted killings and the bounty placed on the heads of Basque militants. This line highlights the dehumanizing aspect of the conflict, where lives were reduced to monetary value.

The dream culminates in a moment of self-immolation, a desperate act that signifies the extreme measures individuals might consider under oppressive conditions. However, the protagonist wakes up, realizing it was just a nightmare, yet the lingering sense of suffocation ('desperté asfixiado') indicates the pervasive fear and anxiety that such a volatile environment instills. Kortatu, known for their punk and ska influences, often addressed political issues in their music, and this song is a poignant reflection of the personal and collective trauma experienced during a turbulent era in Basque history.