Makurtu Gabe
Kortatu Lyrics


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Kontserba latak eta
Kaferako filtro
Barazki poto eta
Olio lau litro.
Eta gainera ere
Zenbait kilo irin
Azukre, arroz eta
Horzetako zirin.
Lau gaileta pakete
Bi tomate lata
Sobrezko zopak eta
Italiako pasta.
Lixiba egiteko
Pakete haundia,
Baxera egiteko
Bestea ttipia.
Tetrabriketan ardo
Eltzetan babarrun
Makailua jateko
Kantauri da urrun.
Jinebraren ondoan
Dago patxarana,
Ostikadaren kolpez
Lurrean etzana.

Zutik! makurtu gabe!

Arranoa zeruan
Mendian sugea
Ibaietako ura
Ahitzen ote da?
Basotan perretxiko
Soroan garia.




"nahiz hanka bana hautsi,
Berriak badira"

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Kortatu's song "Makurtu Gabe" describe the preparations for a concert, possibly by a group of musicians who are concerned about staying true to their roots and living simply. The lyrics mention various food and drink items that are being packed up for the concert, including canned tomatoes, pasta from Italy, and tetra packs of wine. Despite the abundance of food and drink, the musicians are still mindful of wastefulness, and are careful to pack large containers for making leftovers into soup, and small ones for collecting scraps for composting. The final verse of the song seems to reflect on the natural world around the concert venue, with references to eagles in the sky, snakes in the mountains, and the sound of a river flowing. The last line, which urges listeners to "stand up," suggests that the musicians are using their art to inspire others to take action and live consciously.


The lyrics to "Makurtu Gabe" are a celebration of Basque culture and values, and reflect the punk and ska influences that helped shape Kortatu's music. The band was formed in the early 1980s by a group of young Basque musicians who were inspired by the do-it-yourself ethos of punk and the political activism of groups like The Clash. Their music was a fusion of punk, ska, and reggae, and was known for its fast tempos, driving basslines, and socially conscious lyrics. "Makurtu Gabe" was one of their most popular songs, and has become an anthem for Basque nationalists and environmental activists.


Line by Line Meaning

Kontserba latak eta
Canned fish and preserves


Kaferako filtro
Coffee filters


Barazki poto eta
Large vegetables


Olio lau litro.
Four liters of oil


Eta gainera ere
And also


Zenbait kilo irin
Some kilos of flour


Azukre, arroz eta
Sugar, rice and


Horzetako zirin.
Cornmeal


Lau gaileta pakete
Four packs of cookies


Bi tomate lata
Two cans of tomatoes


Sobrezko zopak eta
Extra bags


Italiako pasta.
Italian pasta


Lixiba egiteko
To clean up


Pakete haundia,
A big package


Baxera egiteko
To make a list


Bestea ttipia.
The other one small


Tetrabriketan ardo
Wine in tetra packs


Eltzetan babarrun
Drinking glasses


Makailua jateko
To eat down


Kantauri da urrun.
The cow is far away.


Jinebraren ondoan
Next to gin


Dago patxarana,
There’s a red pepper soup


Ostikadaren kolpez
By the hit of a cork


Lurrean etzana.
Laying on the ground.


Zutik! makurtu gabe!
Stand up! Without getting wasted!


Arranoa zeruan
The eagle up in the sky


Mendian sugea
The snake on the mountain


Ibaietako ura
The river water


Ahitzen ote da?
Is it boiling?


Basotan perretxiko
Mushrooms in the forest


Soroan garia.
A bunch of them


"nahiz hanka bana hautsi,
"Although you break them one by one,


Berriak badira"
There are always new ones"




Contributed by Ryan L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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