Abolicion
Ska-P
Abolicion: A Cry Against Bullfighting
Ska-P's song 'Abolicion' is a powerful critique of bullfighting, a traditional yet controversial spectacle in Spain. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a bullfight, starting with the anticipation of the crowd eager to witness the event. The artist describes the scene with a sense of dismay, highlighting the nervous excitement of the spectators who are there to see the suffering of a defenseless animal. This sets the tone for the song's central message: the inhumanity and moral wrongness of bullfighting.
The repeated phrase 'es atentar contra la dignidad de este animal' (it is an attack on the dignity of this animal) underscores the artist's condemnation of the practice. Ska-P emphasizes that bullfighting is not just a sport or a cultural event but a violent act that strips the animal of its dignity and life. The term 'fiesta nacional' (national festival) is used ironically to criticize how such a brutal event is celebrated as part of national identity. The artist's inability to comprehend the joy derived from such violence is a poignant reflection on the desensitization of society to animal cruelty.
The song also touches on the aftermath of the event, where the crowd disperses, leaving behind a sense of desolation. The mention of 'violencia en vivo por televisión' (live violence on television) points to the normalization and commercialization of brutality. Ska-P's energetic ska rhythms and rebellious tone amplify the urgency of their message, calling for the abolition of bullfighting. The repeated chants of 'ska, ska, ska' serve as a rallying cry for change, urging listeners to reject this form of entertainment and stand against animal cruelty.