They had to change their name to Dezerter because of the reaction of the Communist authorities (SS-20 was a clear reference to a type of Soviet ICBM).
Dezerter is regarded as one of the most influential bands in Polish rock. With fast guitar riffs and intelligent lyrics written by Grabowski, its concerts have drawn thousands of fans. Its LPs were very popular, especially in the late 80s and early 90s.
The most famous Dezerter concert took place during the 1984 Jarocin Festival in Jarocin, Poland and it was attended by some 20,000 people. The concert was recorded and later parts of it were released on the "Underground out of Poland" LP. Dezerter still remains the only Polish hardcore/punk band that toured Japan.
In March 2006 a 2-CD tribute album was released containing Dezerter covers played by various Polish bands. The first CD contains HC/Punk bands like Apatia, Schizma, Wlochaty, WC, Analogs etc. while the second has bands playing different syles of music (new wave, reggae, electro-punk, hiphop, folk, rockabilly etc.) giving their own character to the old Polish Punk classics. The album is called "Nie Ma Zagrozenia - Jest Dezerter".
Dezerter's official website: http://www.dezerter.most.org.pl
Discography:
KU PRZYSZLOSCI 7" (Tonpress, 1983)
JESZCZE ZYWY CZLOWIEK tape (1984)
IZOLACJA split tape w/ unknown bands from U.S.S.R. (1985)
UNDERGROUND OUT OF POLAND LP (MRR, 1987)
KOLABORACJA LP (Razem, 1987)
KOLABORACJA II LP (Poljazz, 1988)
WSZYSCY PREZECIWKO WSZYSTKIM LP (Arston, 1990)
LIVE IN JAPAN 7" (?)
BLASFEMIA LP (Izabelin, 1992)
DEZERTER 7" (NNNW, 1993)
HISTORIA CD/tape (Silverton, 1993 - compiles material from 1981-1992, including some unreleased songs)
ILE PROCENT DUSZY? CD/tape (Polton, 1994)
DEUTER CD/tape (Polton, 1995)
MAM KLY MAM PAZURY CD/tape (Polton/Warner, 1996)
ZIEMIA JEST PLASKA LP/CD/tape (NNNW, 1998)
DECYDUJACE STARCIE (2001)
NIELEGALNY ZABOJCA CZASU (Metal Mind, 2004)
Spytaj milicjanta
Dezerter Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Według prawa i porządku?
Kto prowadzi mnie do szczęścia
I zaszczytnych obowiązków?
Spytaj milicjanta
On Ci prawdę powie!
Spytaj milicjanta
On Ci wskaże drogę! (2x)
Chcę poznawać świat
Ale nie wiem jak
Kto mi powie prawdę o tym
Jak to zrobić mam?
Spytaj milicjanta
On Ci prawdę powie!
Spytaj milicjanta
On Ci wskaże drogę! (2x)
Jak stać się doskonałym
Męskim, pięknym, silnym
Którędy dojść do celu
I zawsze być niewinnym
Spytaj milicjanta
On Ci prawdę powie!
Spytaj milicjanta
On Ci wskaże drogę! (2x)
The lyrics of Dezerter's song Spytaj milicjanta raise questions about what is right and wrong according to law and order, and who can guide one to happiness and honorable duties. The singer expresses a desire to explore the world and become a perfect, masculine, beautiful, and strong person, all while remaining innocent. However, he admits to being powerless and in need of guidance.
The song's title translates to "Ask the Policeman," implying that the singer sees the police as the ultimate authority on what is right and wrong. The lyrics suggest that the singer is looking for a clear set of rules and a moral compass that can guide him through life, but he is unsure where to find it. The repetition of the line "ask the policeman" emphasizes the singer's reliance on authority figures to provide him with answers.
The song was released in 1985 during the communist era in Poland when the government heavily controlled the media. The lyrics can be interpreted as a critique of the police's role in maintaining the government's control and their unquestionable authority. The song also reflects the frustration and confusion of the youth living under strict social norms and a lack of freedom.
Line by Line Meaning
Która droga słuszna
Which path is the right one
Według prawa i porządku?
According to law and order?
Kto prowadzi mnie do szczęścia
Who leads me to happiness
I zaszczytnych obowiązków?
And honorable duties?
Spytaj milicjanta
Ask the policeman
On Ci prawdę powie!
He will tell you the truth!
Spytaj milicjanta
Ask the policeman
On Ci wskaże drogę!
He will show you the way!
Chcę poznawać świat
I want to get to know the world
Ale nie wiem jak
But I don't know how
Kto mi powie prawdę o tym
Who will tell me the truth about it
Jak to zrobić mam?
How should I do it?
Jak stać się doskonałym
How to become perfect
Męskim, pięknym, silnym
Manly, handsome, strong
Którędy dojść do celu
Which way to reach the goal
I zawsze być niewinnym
And always be innocent
Contributed by Michael J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.