16 Toneladas

The song '16 Toneladas' performed by Alberto Vazquez is a Spanish version of the American song 'Sixteen Tons,' which was made famous by Tennessee Ernie Ford in the 1950s. The song's lyrics tell the story of a coal miner's life and the struggles associated with labor exploitation. The miner describes himself as being made of muscle, blood, and bone, emphasizing the physical toll of his work. The recurring mention of '16 toneladas' (16 tons) refers to the amount of coal he extracts, which becomes a symbol of his burdensome labor.

The lyrics also touch upon the concept of debt bondage, where the miner's earnings are consumed by the company store, leaving him in a perpetual state of owing—'La tienda mi raya me descontó' suggests that whatever he earns is immediately taken away to pay for his debts. This cycle of work and debt strips the miner of his freedom, to the point where he feels that even his soul belongs to 'el patrón' (the boss). The song's chorus, where the miner tells Saint Peter not to call him to heaven because his soul is already claimed, is a poignant metaphor for the loss of hope and autonomy.

The miner's tough exterior and his reputation with women are contrasted with his vulnerability to economic exploitation. Despite his strength and 'luck,' he is still subject to the whims of his employer and the love of a woman who leaves him financially drained. The song ends with a warning to those who might look down on him, as his hardships have made him formidable. '16 Toneladas' is a powerful narrative of the working class's plight, reflecting on themes of labor, exploitation, and the human spirit's resilience.