La Mestra

ZOO Posse's song 'La Mestra' is a powerful critique of the traditional and oppressive educational systems that stifle creativity and individuality. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a rigid, authoritarian school environment where students are expected to conform, obey, and suppress their natural curiosity and creativity. The opening lines, 'Dos per dos són quatre / Quatre I dos són sis,' symbolize the rote memorization and lack of critical thinking encouraged in such settings. The imagery of 'La creu, la sotana I la vara' (the cross, the cassock, and the rod) evokes a sense of religious and authoritarian control over education, where questioning and play are not permitted without permission.

The song then introduces a rebellious teacher who challenges this oppressive system. This teacher is described as 'rebel, decidida, valenta' (rebellious, determined, brave), and she becomes a symbol of resistance and hope. Her arrival signifies a shift from darkness to light, from obedience to freedom. The lyrics 'Trenquem el rosari, cremem els apunts' (We break the rosary, we burn the notes) suggest a radical departure from traditional norms and a reclaiming of innocence and creativity. The teacher's influence is so profound that the students become 'alumnat aventatjat' (advanced students), indicating that they have not only learned but have also been empowered to think and dream freely.

The chorus, with its plea 'Mare mare, que jo no vull tornar / A resar I a callar quan ells manen' (Mother, mother, I don't want to go back / To praying and being silent when they command), underscores the desire for liberation from oppressive structures. The song also touches on the broader theme of cultural and linguistic repression, as seen in the lines 'I ara hi ha un poble que brama / En un idioma proscrit' (And now there is a people that roars / In a forbidden language). This highlights the struggle for cultural identity and the right to express oneself freely. 'La Mestra' is not just a song about education; it's a call to break free from all forms of oppression and to embrace creativity, individuality, and cultural identity.