Betonowy las
The Dumplings Lyrics

The Dumplings's song "Betonowy las" (Concrete Forest) is a melancholic and introspective reflection on the urban landscape and the human condition within it. The song describes a cityscape as a "concrete forest," with asphalt puddles and never-ending curbs reaching towards the sky. The singer describes jumping over cast concrete pavers to avoid disrupting the earth and provoking wars. These lines suggest a sense of care and respect for the environment, even in an artificial, man-made environment.

The second stanza delves more deeply into the isolation and alienation that comes with living in a city. The "smoke" that covers the forest could represent the pollution that permeates urban environments, as well as the metaphorical fog or confusion that comes with navigating urban life. The chorus repeats the lines "Dym spowił nasz betonowy las / W świetle sygnalizacji się gubimy / Mijamy cienie kłaniają się w pas / A teraz na czerwonym stoimy" (Smoke covers our concrete forest / In the light of the signals we lose ourselves / We pass the shadows bowing in rows / And now we stand on red). This repetition emphasizes the feeling of being lost and trapped within the confines of the city.

In the final stanza, the singer describes riding a tram, witnessing the faces of others who ride with them. They notice both "sad faces" and "happy hands" and reflect on the way that people cling to one another in times of strife. They note the unspoken camaraderie between tram passengers who are all going through the same difficulties. This stanza suggests a glimmer of hope and community within the alienation of urban life.

Overall, "Betonowy las" is a powerful and poignant reflection on the experience of living in a city. The lyrics speak to the disconnection, isolation, and confusion that exist within an urban environment but also imply the possibility of finding solace and support in human connection.