Kusessa ollaan

Song Meaning

Irwin Goodman's "Kusessa ollaan" isn't just a song; it's a darkly comedic, almost Beckett-ian lament for a nation drowning in its own…well, you get the picture. The blunt title, translating to "We're in the Shit," sets the stage. Goodman doesn't mince words. He paints a picture of a society where individuals "creep quietly like piss in a sock," navigating the treacherous "ice floes of life." This opening image is immediately visceral, evoking discomfort and a sense of being trapped in something unpleasant and unavoidable. The sense of collective disorientation is amplified by the line "everyone has lost their ball," suggesting a widespread loss of direction and purpose. The chorus, a repeated declaration of being "in the shit," reinforces the feeling of inescapable societal decay. It's not just a personal misfortune; it's a shared national predicament. The line "here the jacket empties" is likely a colloquial way of saying that one is going broke. The song's verses delve into the alleged causes of this predicament. Goodman points a finger at corruption and incompetence within the leadership, where "four million real tough guys" are led by an even tougher one, and bribery is rampant. He criticizes the prioritization of superficiality and consensus-driven decision-making over genuine progress. The reference to "Uppsala-hommaa ja lentistä" (Uppsala business and badminton) is more opaque, but likely a sarcastic comment on bureaucratic or political processes perceived as frivolous or ineffective. The pre-chorus speaks to a world where "acid rain and missiles are falling," a harsh environment where survival depends on a solid foundation, but that foundation seems to be crumbling. There's a sense of nostalgia for a past era, alluded to in the third verse's reference to "Urkki," likely referring to former Finnish President Urho Kekkonen, a long-serving and influential figure. Goodman suggests that under Kekkonen, things were more "under control," implying a longing for strong leadership and stability. Now, in contrast, "lemmings jump in the corners, mocking the whole affair," highlighting a perceived descent into chaos and ridicule. The artist is suggesting that the country has lost its way, and its people are now ashamed of what they see around them. "Kusessa ollaan" functions as both a diagnosis and a bitter resignation to a perceived national decline.