Garrotades

La Gossa Sorda's song 'Garrotades' is a powerful critique of modern society, highlighting the pervasive issues of corruption, inequality, and the illusion of choice. The lyrics are a stark reminder of how societal structures, from political power to economic systems, often serve to oppress rather than liberate. The recurring metaphor of the world as a 'garrot' (a device used for strangulation) underscores the suffocating nature of these systems.

The song opens with a reflection on how people have become accustomed to not listening and remaining silent, leading to a collective unlearning of critical thinking. This sets the stage for the song's central theme: the necessity of collective action in the face of systemic oppression. The lyrics draw a direct line from the 'smile of the minister' to 'torture chambers,' illustrating the thin veneer of civility that masks underlying brutality. The imagery of blood, deserts, and hunger visiting the listener serves as a grim reminder of the consequences of inaction.

Throughout the song, La Gossa Sorda juxtaposes various forms of power and exploitation, from labor exploitation to the power of the crown, and from legal systems to border deaths. Each comparison emphasizes the small steps that lead from seemingly benign institutions to devastating outcomes. The chorus, 'El món és un garrot, La vida és deliciosa,' captures the paradox of life being both delightful and oppressive. The repeated phrase 'Garrotades de dins de foc' (blows from within the fire) suggests that the oppression is not just external but also internal, burning from within.

The song also critiques the illusion of choice in modern democracy, likening it to choosing between Pepsi and Coca-Cola. This metaphor extends to the commodification of life, where everything from politics to personal freedoms is up for sale. The final verses reiterate the inevitability of suffering and death in a system designed to exploit, urging listeners to recognize that avoiding these outcomes is not a matter of luck but of systemic change.