¿E Que Pasou?

La Polla Records, a seminal punk band from Spain, is known for their raw and politically charged lyrics. '¿E Que Pasou?' is a poignant critique of the harsh realities faced by workers, particularly focusing on the dangers and injustices inherent in labor conditions. The song is sung in Galician, a language spoken in the northwestern region of Spain, which adds a layer of cultural specificity to its message.

The lyrics begin by highlighting the disparity between those who have and those who do not, emphasizing the struggle of the working class. The line 'Que vida do carallo ter que traballar' translates to 'What a shitty life to have to work,' setting a tone of frustration and disillusionment. The song then shifts to a tragic narrative about two workers who die in a construction accident, underscoring the lack of safety and the negligence that often leads to such fatalities. The repeated phrase 'a merda e merda e non e nada mais' ('shit is shit and nothing more') serves as a stark reminder of the grim reality that these workers face daily.

The chorus repeatedly asks 'que pasou?' ('what happened?'), followed by answers that point to various systemic issues: a lamentable tragedy, a workplace accident, lack of safety, and employer terrorism. This repetition drives home the point that these incidents are not isolated but are symptomatic of broader systemic failures. The term 'terrorismo patronal' ('employer terrorism') is particularly striking, suggesting that the negligence and exploitation by employers are akin to acts of terror against the working class.

La Polla Records uses '¿E Que Pasou?' to shed light on the often-overlooked plight of workers, urging listeners to recognize and address the systemic issues that lead to such tragedies. The song is a powerful call to action, demanding better safety standards and accountability from employers, and serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of negligence and exploitation in the workplace.