Nasz PRL
Big Cyc Lyrics

The lyrics to Big Cyc's song Nasz PRL (Our Polish People's Republic) speak to the experience of growing up in communist Poland during the era of General Wojciech Jaruzelski's rule. The opening lines reference the sense of fear and oppression felt by many under his regime, with the mention of Jaruzelski's name and the word "koszmar" (nightmare). The line "każdy z nas miał przez nich tylko czarno-białe sny" (we all had only black and white dreams because of them) further emphasizes this idea of a bleak, restrictive reality.

The following lines reference some of the more tangible aspects of daily life in communist Poland, such as the availability of certain goods (or lack thereof) and the prevalence of propaganda. This is illustrated through the mention of vinegar on store shelves and the "meat coupons" that were required to purchase meat. The line "radiolodzy z zomowcami czy wystarczy sił" (radiologists with ZOMO [riot police] - do we have enough strength?) speaks to the tension and anxiety that could be present in everyday interactions, as people were always wary of being caught in the wrong place at the wrong time or accused of some kind of wrongdoing.

The chorus focuses on the sense of youthful optimism and rebellion that was also present during this time. The singers are described as having "a thousand ideas" for how to fix the "sick" world around them. The line "wolności która się czaiła na granicy NRD" (the freedom that was lurking on the border with East Germany) emphasizes the idea that Poland's location behind the Iron Curtain was a constant reminder of what could be possible if the oppressive regime were to fall.

Overall, the song seems to capture the complex mix of fear, disillusionment, and hope that characterized life in communist Poland. Through its vivid language and specific references to historical events and cultural touchstones (such as the Jarocin music festival), it creates a powerful sense of nostalgia and reflection on a tumultuous time in Polish history.