Zu Atrapatu Arte

The song 'Zu Atrapatu Arte' by the Basque band Kortatu is a powerful and politically charged anthem that speaks to the social unrest and issues faced by the youth in the Basque Country during the 1980s. The lyrics, though brief, paint a picture of a society where young people are dying from drug use, where robberies and terrorist killings are rampant, and all these issues are covered in the papers until they affect the bourgeoisie directly. The phrase 'Zu atrapatu arte' translates to 'until you are caught' or 'until it catches up with you,' suggesting that the problems of society will remain distant to the privileged until they themselves are affected.

The song criticizes the bourgeoisie, or the 'burgues madarikatua' as referred to in the lyrics, for their lack of understanding and empathy towards the struggles happening on the streets. It implies a disconnect between the upper class and the rest of society, where the issues of the common people are seen as 'others' problems.' Kortatu's music often dealt with political themes, and this song is no exception, serving as a call to awareness and action against social injustice.

Kortatu's style is a mix of punk rock and ska, which often carries an anti-establishment message. 'Zu Atrapatu Arte' is emblematic of their approach to music: direct, confrontational, and unapologetically political. The song's raw energy and pointed lyrics resonate with the frustration and desire for change among the youth, making it an enduring symbol of resistance and the fight for social justice in the Basque region.