Ezln...Para Todas Todo...
Manu Chao
A Cry for Justice and Equality: Manu Chao's 'Ezln...Para Todas Todo...'
Manu Chao's song 'Ezln...Para Todas Todo...' is a powerful homage to the Zapatista movement in Mexico, which is known for its fight against neoliberalism and for the rights of indigenous communities. The lyrics of the song are a direct reference to the Zapatista Army of National Liberation (EZLN) and their struggle for social justice, as articulated in their manifestos and public statements. The song title itself, which translates to 'For everyone, everything,' encapsulates the Zapatista's inclusive ideology that aims for a world where wealth and opportunities are not hoarded by a few but shared by all.
The lyrics recite parts of the Zapatista manifesto, which speaks to the pain of those who have been marginalized and oppressed ('those who today cry the night') and the promise of a brighter, more equitable future ('the light will be tomorrow for the most, for all those'). Manu Chao's music often addresses themes of political and social significance, and in this song, he amplifies the voice of the Zapatistas, echoing their demands for basic human rights and dignity ('roof, land, work, bread, health, education, independence, democracy, freedom').
The song is a rallying cry against the 'bad government' that the Zapatistas oppose, which is accused of being deaf to the people's needs, corrupt, and violent. By using his platform as an artist, Manu Chao brings international attention to the Zapatista cause and the broader issues of inequality and injustice in Latin America and beyond. The song serves not only as a tribute to the Zapatista movement but also as a call to action for listeners to recognize and fight against the systemic injustices that affect marginalized communities worldwide.