37 Galdera Mugaz Bestalde Dudan Kontaktu Bakarrari
Ruper Ordorika
A Poignant Inquiry Across Borders
Ruper Ordorika's song "37 Galdera Mugaz Bestalde Dudan Kontaktu Bakarrari" is a profound exploration of existential questions and the human condition, framed through a series of poignant inquiries directed at the inhabitants on the other side of a border. The song's title translates to "37 Questions to My Only Contact on the Other Side of the Border," setting the stage for a reflective and introspective journey. Ordorika's lyrics are rich with metaphor and imagery, painting a vivid picture of the uncertainties and shared experiences that transcend geographical boundaries.
The song opens with a direct question about happiness and love, asking if the people across the border find joy and affection in their lives. This sets a contemplative tone, as the singer wonders if the struggles and emotional voids he experiences are universal. The mention of silent telephones and lifeless hearts evokes a sense of isolation and disconnection, suggesting that these feelings might be a common human experience, regardless of location.
Ordorika's lyrics also delve into more specific and surreal imagery, such as the presence of Greenland-like landscapes, Shell gas stations, and the absence of butterflies. These elements serve as metaphors for the environmental and societal changes that affect us all. The reference to Tom Simpson, a cyclist who tragically died during a race, adds a historical and personal dimension to the song, highlighting the fragility of life and the shared memories that connect us.
The song's closing questions about fate, security, and the simple pleasures of life, like eating an orange, bring the listener back to the core of human existence. Ordorika's inquiries about the daily lives and dreams of those across the border emphasize the commonalities that bind us, despite the physical and metaphorical barriers that separate us. Through his evocative and thought-provoking lyrics, Ordorika invites us to reflect on our own lives and the invisible threads that connect us to others, no matter where they are.