Karsastaa literally means 'to squint' or 'to be cross-eyed'. It's a vivid and somewhat unusual verb to find in a song, making it memorable and unique.
In the context of "Cha Cha Cha," Käärijä uses this word to describe the physical state of being heavily intoxicated: "toinen silmä jo karsastaa" (one eye is already squinting/cross-eyed). This paints a clear picture of the song's party atmosphere and the singer's journey into a carefree, inebriated state, making it an enticing word for learners.
Ever survived a brutal work week and decided your only remedy is a tropical drink? That is exactly where Finnish artist Käärijä starts in "Cha Cha Cha." He kicks things off exhausted after long days ("Rankka viikko paljon pitkii päiviä takan" [Rough week, lots of long days behind]), staring down a night dedicated to Piña Coladas. At first, he is stiff and miserable. He literally complains that his face is still stuck in a serious frown ("naamataulu vakava" [serious mug]) despite the cocktails. His goal is simple: smash through his "jäinen ulkokuori" (icy outer shell) until he stops worrying about tomorrow and cannot even stay in his chair.
Then the energy flips completely. Once the drinks kick in, he stops feeling locked up, abandons his table, and bolts for the dance floor ("Parketti kutsuu mua" [The parquet dance floor calls me]). He admits he is slurring his speech, pouring champagne over himself, and squinting with one eye, but he does not care. As he shouts, "en oo arkena tää mies laisinkaan" (on weekdays I am not this man at all), but tonight he is totally fearless. It is a loud, wild party track about shedding your weekday stress and turning into a completely uninhibited dancer for one chaotic night.