Manu Chao, born José-Manuel Thomas Arthur Chao on June 21, 1961, in Paris, … Read Full Bio ↴Manu Chao, born José-Manuel Thomas Arthur Chao on June 21, 1961, in Paris, France, is a multifaceted musician celebrated for his eclectic musical style and socially conscious lyrics. Chao's musical journey began in the vibrant Parisian music scene, where he immersed himself in diverse influences ranging from punk and rock to reggae and salsa. Co-founding the band Mano Negra in 1987, Chao showcased his knack for blending genres, resulting in international acclaim with albums like "Patchanka" (1988) and "Casa Babylon" (1994). Following the dissolution of Mano Negra in 1995, Chao embarked on a prolific solo career, marked by albums such as "Clandestino" (1998) and "Próxima Estación: Esperanza" (2001), where he continued to push musical boundaries while addressing social and political issues. Incorporating elements of street music and bar scenes from various cultures, Chao formed Radio Bemba Sound System, collaborating with musicians from Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina to create a vibrant fusion of sounds. His innovative use of technology, including recording exclusively on a laptop, reflects his commitment to artistic experimentation. Through his music, Chao has championed themes of cultural diversity, social justice, and global solidarity, earning him a revered status as a visionary musician and cultural ambassador.

Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manu_Chao

Discography
Clandestino (1998)
Próxima Estación: Esperanza (2001)
Radio Bemba Sound System (2002)
Sibérie m'était contéee (2004)
La Radiolina (2007)
Baionarena (2008)

Que Paso Que Paso
Manu Chao Lyrics

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Que paso que paso ?
A caipira planto
Que paso que paso ?
A policia llego
Que paso que paso ?
O semterra murio
Que paso que paso ?
Chacinha no Eldorado

Que paso que paso ?
A globo relato
Que paso que paso ?
O politico falo
Que paso que paso ?
En pizza acabo
Que paso que paso ?
Chacinha no Eldorado

QUE PASO QUE PASO ?
Radio Bemba relato

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Manu Chao's song Que Paso Que Paso are filled with socio-political commentary and explore themes such as police brutality, government corruption and media manipulation. The song begins with the line "Que paso que paso?" which means "What happened, what happened?" This line is repeated throughout the song, acting as a refrain and emphasizing the confusion and chaos that is being described in the lyrics.

The first verse talks about a Caipira plant (a type of plant commonly found in Brazil) being destroyed and the police arriving. This is most likely a reference to government or corporate overreach, where agricultural land is being taken from small farmers and given to big agribusiness. The reference to the police arriving suggests that the farmers are being forcibly removed from their land.

The second verse refers to media manipulation and political corruption. The line "A globo relato / O politico falo" translates to "Globo reported / The politician spoke." Globo is a major media conglomerate in Brazil and is often criticized for its biased reporting. The line "En pizza acabo" means "ended in pizza," which is a common Brazilian expression used to describe a situation where people are punished for their crimes but are ultimately let off the hook due to corruption.

Overall, the song is a commentary on the systemic problems that plague Brazil and many other countries in the world, and highlights the need for change and justice.

Line by Line Meaning