Kaczmarski was deeply influenced by both his personal experiences and Poland’s historical context. Growing up under a communist regime, he was constantly aware of the censorship, political control, and societal repression that marked life in Soviet-controlled Poland. His early exposure to literature and music shaped his artistic voice. He was particularly influenced by Russian poets like Vladimir Vysotsky and Polish bard, Adam Mickiewicz, whose themes of struggle and resistance permeated his own work.

In the 1970s and 80s, Kaczmarski began to emerge as a leading figure in Poland’s political songwriting scene, writing songs that were often rich in historical allusion and metaphor, allowing him to criticize the communist regime while avoiding direct censorship.

Among Kaczmarski’s many notable works, “Nasza Klasa” (Our Class) holds a special place. Written in 1983, the song tells the story of a group of former classmates who are scattered around the world due to the social, political, and personal forces that shaped post-war Poland. The song reflects on the lives of these individuals as they navigate different paths — some choosing to stay and conform, others leaving Poland, and some rising in rebellion.

In “Nasza Klasa”, Kaczmarski captures the essence of the post-war Polish diaspora and the societal changes that fractured communities. The lyrics reflect on the loss of innocence and the divergence of lives, showcasing how politics and history deeply affected personal relationships. The song’s poignant lyrics resonate not only with those who lived through those times but also with younger generations reflecting on Poland’s complex history.

Jacek Kaczmarski’s songs became the unofficial soundtrack of the Solidarity movement, which was led by Lech Wałęsa in the 1980s. His music expressed the frustrations and aspirations of Poles who were living under Soviet-imposed communism. Through his art, Kaczmarski captured the universal desire for freedom, human dignity, and national identity — themes that were especially powerful in a country that had been partitioned, occupied, and oppressed for centuries.

His most famous work, “Mury” (Walls), became an anthem for the Solidarity movement. The song’s refrain, originally inspired by Catalan singer Lluís Llach’s "L'Estaca," is a call for tearing down walls — both literal and figurative — that oppress the human spirit. While “Mury” was initially written as a reflection on the limitations of revolution, it was adopted as a rallying cry for unity and resistance during the 1980s, though Kaczmarski himself often lamented that its meaning had been misinterpreted as purely optimistic.

In 1981, as martial law was imposed in Poland to suppress the Solidarity movement, Kaczmarski was on tour in France. Unable to return to Poland, he spent the following years in exile, moving between France and the United States, where he continued to compose, perform, and broadcast on Radio Free Europe. His music and words kept the spirit of resistance alive, even as he was physically separated from his homeland.

Kaczmarski returned to Poland after the fall of communism in 1989, continuing his musical career and writing. Though he remained a celebrated figure, he never quite shook the identity of an exile, feeling somewhat estranged from the new Poland that emerged after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Jacek Kaczmarski passed away in 2004, but his music continues to inspire and resonate with Poles. His songs are not just reflections of a particular political moment but are universal in their exploration of human struggle, resilience, and the quest for identity. Kaczmarski’s deep understanding of history, combined with his literary and musical talents, cemented his place as one of Poland’s greatest cultural icons.

Today, his legacy is celebrated not only for the artistic and political influence he had on his generation but also as a reminder of the power of art to challenge, inspire, and transform society. Kaczmarski remains a powerful symbol of Poland’s fight for freedom — a voice that echoes through the country's tumultuous history and continues to remind future generations of the importance of resilience and unity.