No pasarán
Rolando Alarcon Lyrics

The lyrics to the song No Pasarán by Rolando Alarcon refer to the Spanish Civil War and the battle for Madrid against the fascist regime led by Francisco Franco. The song expresses the determination of the Republican soldiers to resist the fascist advance and protect Madrid from falling into their hands. The phrase "No pasarán" (they shall not pass) became a symbol of the Republican resistance, as they fought against the better-equipped and better-trained fascist forces.

The first stanza refers to the North African soldiers who fought on the side of Franco and were being prepared to take the capital city of Madrid. The lyrics state that as long as there are Republican soldiers fighting, the enemy will not pass. The second stanza talks about the determination of the singer to cross the Ebro River, despite the bridge and the walkway being destroyed by enemy fire. The third stanza is a call for unity among the engineering corps and to remain steadfast and resolute, even if the enemy tries to destroy them.

The final stanza of the song speaks about the battle of the Ebro in 1938, one of the bloodiest battles of the Spanish Civil War. The Republicans had mounted an attack that was met with fierce resistance, resulting in heavy casualties for both sides. The lyrics state that the Italian fascists had been defeated and their flags sunk in the Ebro River, while the only flags left standing on the bridges were those of the Republicans. The song ends with the powerful and defiant refrain, "No pasarán!"