Era un hombre

La Polla Records, a seminal punk band from Spain, is known for their raw and politically charged lyrics. In their song "Era un hombre," they delve into the transformation of an individual from a regular person into a police officer, a change that the band views as a loss of humanity and dignity. The lyrics are a scathing critique of the police force and the societal structures that compel individuals to join it, often at the cost of their own integrity and self-respect.

The song opens with a series of grievances: unemployment, hunger, and the struggle to make ends meet. These lines paint a picture of a harsh reality that many face, driving them to desperate measures. The protagonist of the song, once a man, is now a policeman, a role that the band suggests is synonymous with betrayal and subservience. The repeated phrase "Era un hombre y ahora es poli" (He was a man and now he's a cop) underscores this transformation, emphasizing the loss of the protagonist's former self.

La Polla Records uses stark imagery and biting sarcasm to convey their message. The lyrics mention how the protagonist now inflicts violence on others and works for those in power, buying into a system that exploits him. The band accuses the protagonist of selling his dignity and becoming an enemy, not just to the band but to society at large. This transformation is portrayed as a personal and collective tragedy, where the protagonist's actions contribute to the band's and society's misfortunes.

The song is a powerful commentary on the socio-economic pressures that drive individuals to join the police force and the moral compromises they make in the process. It reflects the band's broader critique of authority and the systems that perpetuate inequality and oppression.