Colpeja Fort
La Gossa Sorda
A Cry for Resilience: The Struggle of a Changing Land
La Gossa Sorda's song "Colpeja Fort" paints a vivid and poignant picture of a rural community grappling with the harsh realities of change and loss. The lyrics follow an old man as he walks a once-familiar path from his village to the mountains, a journey that has become increasingly bitter and disheartening. The imagery of a landscape stripped of its natural beauty—no foxes, wolves, or even simple plants like fig trees and lizards—serves as a powerful metaphor for the erosion of tradition and the encroachment of modernity. The old man's heavy breathing and return home symbolize the exhaustion and resignation felt by those who witness their world fading away.
The song also delves into the socio-economic struggles faced by the community. The absence of young lovers and cannabis enthusiasts, replaced by people working extra hours to pay off mortgages, highlights the shift from a carefree, communal lifestyle to one dominated by financial pressures. The lyrics lament the lack of rain, the disappearance of snails, and the overall unpredictability of survival in such a harsh environment. The repeated call to "Colpeja fort" (strike hard) serves as a rallying cry for resilience and resistance against these overwhelming changes.
In the final verses, the song takes on a more somber tone, reflecting on the irreversible damage done to the land and the community. The old man curses life and remembers the war, while the landscape is littered with syringes and questions, symbolizing both physical and moral decay. The drying wells and the migration of the youth further emphasize the sense of abandonment and despair. Yet, amidst this bleakness, there is a steadfast commitment to the village, a promise to remain faithful to their roots. The song ends with a call to action, urging the listener to strike hard and remain resilient in the face of adversity, encapsulating the spirit of a community determined to survive despite the odds.