1939
Obrint Pas
Echoes of 1939: A Tale of Pain and Resilience
The song '1939' by Obrint Pas is a poignant reflection on the Spanish Civil War and its aftermath. The lyrics recount the harrowing experiences of those who suffered during this tumultuous period, particularly focusing on the year 1939, which marked the end of the war and the beginning of Franco's dictatorship. The song opens with a vivid description of the brutal repression and executions that took place, with 'esperança afusellada' (hope shot down) symbolizing the crushing of dreams and aspirations. The imagery of 'llàgrimes de foc' (tears of fire) conveys the intense pain and suffering endured by the victims.
The narrative then shifts to the forced exile of many Spaniards, who fled in 'llargues columnes' (long columns) along paths filled with 'fred I dolor' (cold and pain). This journey is depicted as one of immense physical and emotional wounds, with 'cames I cors plens de ferides' (legs and hearts full of wounds). The year 1939 is repeatedly invoked as a symbol of this collective trauma. Despite the despair, the song emphasizes the resilience and enduring spirit of those who lived through these dark times.
The chorus, with its repeated refrain of 'Renaix la memoria, Renaix la consiencia, Renaix l'esperança, Renaix a victòria' (Memory is reborn, Conscience is reborn, Hope is reborn, Victory is reborn), serves as a powerful declaration of renewal and resistance. It suggests that despite the horrors of the past, there is a resurgence of memory, awareness, and hope. This rebirth is portrayed as a form of victory, not just over the oppressors, but also over the forces of forgetting and despair. Obrint Pas, known for their politically charged and socially conscious music, use this song to remind listeners of the importance of remembering history and honoring the resilience of those who fought for freedom.