Haistakaa Paska Koko Valtiovalta / Pumtsi-Kaada-Pum-Pum

Released in 1976 on the Philips label, this single features Irwin Goodman, a Finnish protest singer known for his candid and often abrasive social commentary. The track Haistakaa Paska Koko Valtiovalta, which translates to a highly irreverent dismissal of the entire state authority, emerged during a period of significant political tension in Finland. The song served as a bold, populist expression of dissatisfaction with the political establishment, characteristic of Goodman’s career-long persona as a voice for the common person against institutional bureaucracy.

The song was composed and written during a time when Goodman frequently collaborated with songwriter Vexi Salmi. The production, typical of mid-seventies Finnish schlager and protest folk, relies on a punchy, rhythmic delivery to underscore its provocative lyrics. While the song faced challenges in terms of mainstream radio airplay due to its confrontational title and subject matter, it solidified Goodman’s status as a counter-cultural figure in Finnish music history, reflecting a specific socio-political climate where public distrust in state governance was becoming increasingly vocal.