Kea (Original)

Kuraia's song 'Kea' is a powerful anthem of defiance and resistance. The lyrics, sung in Basque, convey a message of transformation and resilience in the face of oppression. The opening lines, 'Ispiluak hausten ditugu gure aurpegia erakusteko,' which translate to 'We break mirrors to show our face,' suggest a rejection of false images and a desire to reveal true identities. This act of breaking mirrors symbolizes a rebellion against societal norms and expectations, aiming to uncover the authentic self.

The recurring imagery of smoke ('kea' in Basque) is central to the song's theme. The lines 'su ematen gaituzue ta kixkali beharrean kea gera bihurtu' translate to 'you set us on fire, but instead of burning, we become smoke.' This metaphor illustrates the idea of transformation under pressure. Instead of being destroyed by the flames of oppression, the individuals in the song become smoke—an elusive, pervasive force that cannot be easily contained or extinguished. Smoke here represents both a form of resistance and a means of survival, as it irritates the eyes and threatens to choke, symbolizing the persistent and unavoidable presence of the oppressed.

The chorus, with its repeated cry of 'KEA! KEA! KEA! KEA!' serves as a rallying call against the symbols of paradise and the shadows they cast. It emphasizes the readiness to illuminate these shadows and challenge the status quo. The song's closing lines, 'erretzen banazu ez duzu arnastuko,' meaning 'if you burn me, you will not breathe,' reinforce the idea that the oppressors' attempts to destroy will ultimately backfire, as the smoke they create will suffocate them. Kuraia's 'Kea' is a vivid portrayal of resistance, transformation, and the indomitable spirit of those who refuse to be silenced.