Betagarri is a basque skaband from Vitoria-Gasteiz. Their sound seems to be… Read Full Bio ↴Betagarri is a basque skaband from Vitoria-Gasteiz. Their sound seems to be a mix of ska, reggae and rock but are also influenced by latin and punk. Most texts are written and sung in basque language and largely deal with social- and globalisation critical issues.

Betagarri consists of eight musicans who are Iñaki Ortiz de Villalba (voice), Aitor Ruiz de Arbulo (guitar) and Pablo Rodríguez (bass) who are the only remaining founder members from 1992 and Iker Uriarte (drumset), Aitor Agirre (guitar), David Gaviña (sax), Mikel Sanz (trombone) and Unai Lobo (trumpet) what is the bandmanning since 2003.

So far 9 albums are released:
Maketa (demo from 1994)
Betagarri (1997)
Arren Erro Zaharra (1998)
80/00 (1999)
Freaky Festa (2000)
Remix (2001)
Arnasa Hartu (2002)
Zuzenena CD/DVD (2004)
Hamaika Gara (2006)

Gora Beherak
Betagarri Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Zure begiak irekitzean
Iluntasuna nagusi bada
Entzun itzazu zeure taupadak
Hor jarraitzen dute eta

Gaua beltzago bihurtzean
Ailegatzear da egunsentia
Begi itxiek ikusten dute

Barneko argitasuna

Askotan gauzak izaten dira
Nahi genukenaren kontrakoa
Zaila dirudi baina ez da erreza
Egin ezazu aurrera

Aurrera aurrera oohh!
Bizitzarekin
Aurre egin aurre egin oohh!
Arriskatu!

Gora beherak izaten dira
Zure esku dago aurreratzea
Gora beherak izaten dira

Ez zaitez galdu ibilbidean
Ez zara bakarra ibilbidean

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Betagarri's song "Gora Beherak" express the idea of pushing forward and taking risks in life despite uncertainty and darkness. The opening lines suggest that when one opens their eyes, darkness can be overwhelming. The following lines describe how in times of darkness, one could hear their heartbeats leading them forward. Even when everything seems dark and uncertain, one must trust their instincts to move forward, for they may see what the eyes cannot.

The next verse goes on to describe how things can often be in contrast to what we desire. Life is difficult, as we try to navigate through challenges and obstacles. However, the chorus encourages the listener to keep moving forward, pushing through whatever comes their way. The phrase "gora beherak" appears several times, which can be translated to mean "ups and downs" or "highs and lows". This implies that life may be full of difficult moments, but there are also moments of joy and inspiration.

The final line of the song, "Ez zara bakarra ibilbidean" can be interpreted to mean "You are not alone on the path". This line is a reminder that when one is feeling lost and directionless, it is important to remember that there is always someone there to support and guide them.

Line by Line Meaning

Zure begiak irekitzean
When you open your eyes

Iluntasuna nagusi bada
If darkness dominates

Entzun itzazu zeure taupadak
Listen to your footsteps

Hor jarraitzen dute eta
They will continue on

Gaua beltzago bihurtzean
When the night turns darker

Ailegatzear da egunsentia
Dawn seems further away

Begi itxiek ikusten dute
Closed eyes can see

Barneko argitasuna
The light inside

Askotan gauzak izaten dira
Things are often

Nahi genukenaren kontrakoa
Contrary to what we want

Zaila dirudi baina ez da erreza
It seems hard, but it's not easy