Companys, no és això

Lluís Llach's song 'Companys, no és això' is a poignant and powerful critique of the political and social situation in Catalonia during the late 20th century. The title translates to 'Comrades, this is not it,' and the lyrics reflect a deep sense of disillusionment and frustration with the outcomes of the struggles for freedom and democracy. Llach, a prominent figure in the Nova Cançó movement, uses his music to voice the collective disappointment of those who fought for a better future, only to find that their sacrifices have not led to the desired change.

The song opens with a lament for the fallen, symbolized by 'so many flowers' that died for a cause that has not been realized. Llach calls for renewed courage to stand up and say 'no' to the current state of affairs. This sentiment is echoed throughout the song, as he criticizes the superficial peace maintained by force ('words of peace with clubs') and the commercialization of rights that should be inherent and inviolable. The 'new bars in the form of laws' metaphorically represent the new forms of oppression that have replaced the old ones, suggesting that true freedom has yet to be achieved.

Llach's message is clear: the struggle is not over. He urges his comrades to remain vigilant and persistent, rejecting the notion that they should simply wait for change to come. The 'waiting' he refers to is not passive but an active, determined stance against complacency. The song is a call to action, a reminder that the fight for justice and true democracy requires continuous effort and unwavering resolve. Llach's evocative lyrics and passionate delivery make 'Companys, no és això' a timeless anthem for those who refuse to accept anything less than genuine freedom and equality.