Singing in euskera (basque language), Berri Txarrak has become one of the best rock bands within the Spanish State's panorama. Their last two albums, called "Libre©" and "Jaio. Musika. Hil" were praised as best 'Spanish' (here meaning produced in Spain, but not in Spanish language) rock/hardcore albums in 2003 and 2005 by such important magazines as Rock Sound (now Rockzone) or Mondosonoro. "Libre©" featured a guest appearence by Rise Against singer Tim Mc Ilrath.
Berri Txarrak love highly emotive, fresh and energetic songs with clever poethic lyrics not refusing to claim against every kind of injustice around and pro freedom of speech and thought. They have already toured through Germany, USA, UK, Denmark, Spain, Switzerland, Ireland, Nicaragua, Mexico, Catalunya, Taiwan, Japan...
In late 2007, Berri Txarrak released "Zertarako Amestu" (Dream for what?), a documentary on the band's philosophy, tour-diary and recording process in black and white. The DVD also includes a special live show by the band in Gernika (Basque Country). This documentary won the Best Video of the Year Gaztea Award in 2008.
In 2009, they signed up with the label Roadrunner Records and released they last album, Payola, recorded by Steve Albini at the Electrical Audio Studios in Chicago and featuring Tim McIlrath.
In January 2011, Berri Txarrak was nominated for the 10th Annual Independent Music Awards for Best Punk Song for their song "Folklore."
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Onak eta txarrak
Berri Txarrak Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
normala zaintzera
Behinola sunormalak etorri ziren
manifestatzera
Onak eta txarrak seinalatuz
ongizatearen izenean
zentsura hortzetan
Behinola sunormalak etorri ziren
ordena jartzera
Onak eta txarrak seinalatuz
beti beraien mesedetan
Hitza kendu egiten du
elkarrizketatik hitzik ez dakien ezjakinak
Zarata egiten du argumentu gabe
geratu ohi den ahoberoak
Baina bizirik gaude eta
jada haserretzen hasiak
Jendea da euren arazoa
Aniztasuna minbizia
In Berri Txarrak's song "Onak eta txarrak", the lyrics describe the contrast between the good and bad aspects of life. The opening lines contain the phrase "Behinola sunormalak etorri ziren," which translates to "Once upon a time, the normal ones came." These "normal ones" have come to take care of the mundane issues in life, such as censorship and laws. The second verse reiterates this, stating that the normal ones have come to put order into chaos.
The chorus of the song, "Onak eta txarrak seinalatuz, ongizatearen izenean," translates to "Signaling the good and bad in the name of well-being." The song is discussing how society often focuses on the good aspects of life, while ignoring the bad. The second half of the chorus emphasizes that society should recognize both the good and bad aspects because this knowledge is key to achieving true well-being.
The bridge of the song takes a different turn, discussing the difficulty in communicating with people who lack knowledge. "Hitza kendu egiten du elkarrizketatik hitzik ez dakien ezjakinak" translates to "Removing the word from the conversation is the ignorant one who doesn't know the words". The song also references the frustration that occurs when arguments are made without a clear understanding of the topic at hand. The final line of the bridge, "Baina bizirik gaude eta jada haserretzen hasiak" translates to "But we are alive and now we start to get annoyed."
Overall, Berri Txarrak's "Onak eta txarrak" is a call to recognize both the good and bad aspects of life in order to achieve true well-being.
Line by Line Meaning
Behinola sunormalak etorri ziren
Once upon a time, the normal people arrived
normala zaintzera
To take care of normality
Behinola sunormalak etorri ziren
Once upon a time, the normal people arrived
manifestatzera
To make themselves heard
Onak eta txarrak seinalatuz
Highlighting the good and the bad
ongizatearen izenean
In the name of well-being
Behinola sunormalak etorri ziren
Once upon a time, the normal people arrived
zentsura hortzetan
To escape censorship
Behinola sunormalak etorri ziren
Once upon a time, the normal people arrived
ordena jartzera
To establish order
Onak eta txarrak seinalatuz
Highlighting the good and the bad
beti beraien mesedetan
Always in their own interest
Hitza kendu egiten du
It takes words away
elkarrizketatik hitzik ez dakien ezjakinak
The ignorant who don't know words from conversations
Zarata egiten du argumentu gabe
It makes noise without argument
geratu ohi den ahoberoak
The usual pessimists
Baina bizirik gaude eta
But we are alive and
jada haserretzen hasiak
Already starting to get upset
Jendea da euren arazoa
People are their problem
Aniztasuna minbizia
Diversity is a pain
Contributed by Savannah V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.