Todo Por La Patria
La Polla Records
A Satirical Take on Authority and Patriotism
La Polla Records, a seminal punk band from Spain, is known for their raw and unapologetic critique of societal norms and political structures. In their song "Todo Por La Patria," the band delves into the contradictions and ironies inherent in the concepts of patriotism, law, and order. The title itself, which translates to "Everything for the Homeland," sets the stage for a biting satire on the often hollow and hypocritical nature of these ideals.
The lyrics juxtapose the lofty goals of peace and order with the violent and oppressive means used to achieve them. Lines like "Todo para que haya paz, pero tu con tu pistola" ("Everything for peace, but you with your gun") and "Todo para que haya un orden, pero tu con los que ordenan" ("Everything for order, but you with those who command") highlight the dissonance between the stated objectives and the actions taken. This critique is further emphasized by the repeated phrase "Todo por la patria," which is immediately followed by more cynical motivations like "todo por la pasta" ("everything for the money") and "todo por las leyes y por los billetes" ("everything for the laws and the bills").
The song also touches on the abuse of power by those meant to protect the citizens. The line "Protegiendo al ciudadano, aveces se os va la mano" ("Protecting the citizen, sometimes you go too far") points to the excessive force often used by authorities. The closing line, "y tu viejo que tal mea" ("and your old man, how does he pee"), adds a layer of absurdity, perhaps mocking the trivial concerns of those in power compared to the real issues faced by ordinary people.
La Polla Records uses their music to challenge the status quo and provoke thought about the true motivations behind societal structures. "Todo Por La Patria" serves as a powerful reminder of the need to question authority and the often hypocritical nature of patriotism and law enforcement.