Cruz, Oro y Sangre

Ska-P's song 'Cruz, Oro y Sangre' is a powerful critique of the Spanish colonization of the Americas, highlighting the violence, exploitation, and cultural destruction that accompanied it. The lyrics vividly describe the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors, depicted as 'diablos blancos recubiertos en metal' (white devils covered in metal), who brought with them not only weapons but also a new religion that was imposed upon the native populations. The repeated phrase 'Cruz, oro y sangre' (Cross, gold, and blood) encapsulates the main elements of the conquest: the spread of Christianity, the pursuit of wealth, and the bloodshed that ensued.

The song condemns the atrocities committed in the name of religion, such as the actions of the Spanish Inquisition, which punished indigenous people for their traditional beliefs. The lyrics also express disdain for the celebration of Columbus Day ('Cada 12 de octubre mi desprecio y asco a la invasión'), arguing that the true history of colonization is often sanitized or ignored in educational narratives. Instead of celebrating, the song calls for recognition of the 'matanza de nativos' (massacre of natives) and the ongoing impact of colonialism.

The repeated use of the Mapuche phrase 'Marichiweu' (ten times we shall overcome) serves as a rallying cry for resistance and resilience. It underscores the enduring struggle of indigenous peoples against exploitation and oppression, which the song argues continues in modern forms through corporate exploitation. The final lines of the song pay tribute to the original inhabitants of the Americas, acknowledging their suffering and calling for continued resistance against the legacies of colonialism. Ska-P's punk and ska influences amplify the song's rebellious and defiant tone, making 'Cruz, Oro y Sangre' a poignant anthem for social justice and historical truth.