Milonga del tartamudo

Alfredo Zitarrosa's 'Milonga del tartamudo' is a powerful narrative that delves into themes of resistance, pride, and social justice. The song tells the story of a stuttering man who, despite his speech impediment, stands firm against corruption and exploitation. The 'tartamudo' (stutterer) is portrayed as a symbol of resilience, someone who refuses to be silenced or bought, embodying the spirit of the working class who often face oppression from those in power.

The lyrics highlight the protagonist's pride in his humble origins and his unwavering stance against those who try to corrupt him. This is evident in lines like 'yo soy pobre y no me vendo, y nadie me atropelló' (I am poor and I don't sell myself, and no one trampled me). The song also touches on the harsh realities of labor exploitation, where workers are discarded if they don't meet the demands of their employers, as seen in 'en el mercado del hombre, si no es bueno el rendimiento, se empieza con los despidos y acaba en el vaciamiento' (in the market of men, if the performance isn't good, it starts with layoffs and ends in emptiness).

Zitarrosa uses the character of Echegoyen, a delegate who gains fame for his defiance, to further illustrate the collective struggle of workers. The stutterer's speech, though mocked, becomes a rallying cry for solidarity and resistance. The repeated stuttering in the lyrics, 'mi… mi… mi... milonga ta… ta… tartamudeada,' serves as a poignant reminder that even those who are ridiculed can be powerful voices of change. The song concludes with a defiant declaration of the protagonist's unyielding spirit, 'sigo pobre y no me vendo, ¡la puta que los parió!' (I remain poor and I don't sell myself, damn them!).

'La Milonga del tartamudo' is not just a song; it's a tribute to the indomitable spirit of the working class, a call for unity, and a reminder that true strength often lies in the most unexpected places.