Soldado Mutilado

The song 'Soldado Mutilado' by La Pestilencia is a poignant critique of the glorification of war and the harsh realities faced by soldiers. The title itself, which translates to 'Mutilated Soldier,' sets a somber tone for the song. La Pestilencia is a punk band from Colombia known for their socially and politically charged lyrics, and this song is no exception. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a soldier who has been physically maimed and is being honored by his country with medals. However, the recognition is portrayed as hollow, as the soldier is left disfigured and the 'blessing' from the nation feels like a superficial gesture.

The song goes on to criticize the blind patriotism and servitude that lead individuals to fight in wars, often without fully understanding the cause or the consequences. The line 'Amor por un fusil listos para morir' translates to 'Love for a rifle ready to die,' which highlights the indoctrination of soldiers to value weapons and the act of killing over their own lives. The statistics mentioned in the song about the high chances of dying and the numerous decrees to protect human rights serve as a stark contrast to the actual violation of these rights in the context of war.

The repeated phrase 'Retroceder es vivir, enfrentarse es morir,' which means 'To retreat is to live, to confront is to die,' encapsulates the dilemma faced by soldiers. It suggests that survival often means avoiding direct conflict, yet soldiers are expected to engage and risk their lives. The repetition of the opening lines at the end of the song emphasizes the cyclical nature of this situation, where soldiers are continuously sent into harm's way for the sake of national pride and are then celebrated as heroes, despite the personal cost to their well-being.