In 2004, Martin Sorrondeguy released his documentary film Beyond The Screams: A U.S. Latino Hardcore Punk Documentary, which focused on the Latino punk scene in the US. After Los Crudos came to an end, Sorrondeguy formed a new band, Limp Wrist, a queercore and straight edge band with which he performs. He has also been in the bands Harto and Tragatelo, as well. Guitarist Jose has gone onto play in Chicago punk bands I Attack and Kontaminat. Their last drummer Ebro was also in Charles Bronson, MK-Ultra and Punch In the Face.
Los Crudos did a surprise reunion show at the first "Latino Fest" put on by Southkore records in Chicago. They also played a reunion show at Chaos in Tejas 2008 and are scheduled to play the 3rd Latino Fest in Los Angeles.
Along with Limp Wrist, Martin is also in NN and Needles.
Ilegal y qué
Los Crudos Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
para escapar al sufrimiento y al dolor.
Pero encontramos lo que pensamos que dejamos.
Y uds dicen que robamos sus trabajos y sus barrios.
Solo buscamos un lugar para vivir.
Porque se quejan?
Si nosotros hacemos las cosas que no quieren hacer.
Quedate callado mientras nosotros seguimos viviendo.
Pero tampoco queremos que nos traten como una enfermedad
Llegamos buscando una vida mejor,
para escapar al sufrimiento y al dolor.
Pero encontramos lo que pensamos que dejamos.
The opening lyrics of "Ilegal Y Que" by Los Crudos highlights the often difficult and controversial experience of immigrants in the United States. The song begins with a statement of hope - "we arrived looking for a better life, to escape suffering and pain" - but that hope is quickly replaced with disappointment as the band notes that "what we thought we had left behind" is still following them in their new home. The lyrics directly address the common accusation that immigrants are taking American jobs and resources, with the retort that they are only seeking a place to live and work because they are willing to do the jobs that others won't.
The song explores the tension and frustration of being an immigrant in America, caught between wanting to be accepted and respected, and the reality of being treated as second-class citizens. While the band acknowledges that they don't want to cause trouble or disrespect people, they also assert their right to be treated with dignity and respect. The closing lines of the song suggest that despite all of this, they still hold on to the hope that brought them to the US in the first place: "We arrived looking for a better life, to escape suffering and pain. But we have found what we thought we left behind."
Overall, "Ilegal Y Que" is a powerful and emotional commentary on the immigrant experience, highlighting the complex mix of hope, disappointment, and frustration that is all too common for those who come to America seeking a better life.
Line by Line Meaning
Llegamos buscando una vida mejor,
We arrived seeking a better life,
para escapar al sufrimiento y al dolor.
to escape from suffering and pain.
Pero encontramos lo que pensamos que dejamos.
But we found what we thought we left behind.
Y uds dicen que robamos sus trabajos y sus barrios.
And you say we steal your jobs and your neighborhoods.
Solo buscamos un lugar para vivir.
We only search for a place to live.
Porque se quejan?
Why do you complain?
Si nosotros hacemos las cosas que no quieren hacer.
If we do the things you don't want to do.
Quedate callado mientras nosotros seguimos viviendo.
Stay quiet while we keep on living.
No llegamos para empezar problemas y a tu gente faltarle el respeto.
We didn't come to start problems or disrespect your people.
Pero tampoco queremos que nos traten como una enfermedad
But we don't want to be treated like a disease.
Contributed by Victoria S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.