Subtle or irreverent : the political lyrics of Maltese kantawturi

Abstract

Song writing has been used as a vehicle for political commentary since time immemorial. It triggers all sorts of reactions and emotions among people because drums, trumpets and choruses can energise the masses and serve as rally calls for protests. This chapter is contextualised within the Maltese contemporary scenario wherein local singer-songwriters, or kantawturi as they are commonly known among the Maltese, are roped in to share their narratives about music and politics. Given that public life in Malta is undeniably characterised by a cacophony of noisy and colourful expressions - typical of a Mediterranean environment - the domestic music scene provides an eventful backdrop to explore the relationship between politics and songwriters. Selected extracts of Maltese lyrics are presented in the vernacular, complemented with a non-literal translation in English, to investigate further the cynicism and antagonism contained in song verses. Some kantawturi restrain the choice of lexis to transmit subtle messages, while others do not shun irreverent expressions to mock or denounce the elites. Interviewed songwriters exchange their views on how they employ figures of speech, metaphors and foul language to attack the powerful and the presumptuous, while exposing the fragility and vulnerability of the commoners and the marginalized. Their infuriating verses capture a wide array of idiosyncratic realities phenomena, including political polarisation, over development and the environment, hypocrisy and self-righteousness, Christianity and moral choices. This study features a provoking interpretation of contemporary public life in Malta through song lyrics by employing discourse analysis.