Humanidad

Ali Primera's song 'Humanidad' is a poignant reflection on the duality of human existence, where moments of joy are often overshadowed by pervasive sorrow. The recurring chorus, 'hay motivos de alegrías, pero de tristezas hay muchos más,' translates to 'there are reasons for joy, but there are many more for sadness.' This sets the tone for the song, emphasizing the imbalance between happiness and suffering in the world.

The verses of the song highlight specific instances of this imbalance, focusing on the plight of children and marginalized communities. Primera sings about the 'niñito campesino,' a young rural child who must work like an adult, and the 'niñito de la calle,' a street child who smiles while begging for food. These images evoke a sense of lost innocence and the harsh realities faced by many children. The song also touches on the horrors of war, with references to children in Vietnam who live in constant fear and cannot play, and the struggles of Black people in the North who fight for freedom and equality. These verses serve as powerful reminders of the widespread suffering and injustice in the world.

Despite the heavy themes, the song ends on a somewhat hopeful note, suggesting that things will eventually improve. The line 'Menos mal que todo se arreglara' means 'Luckily, everything will be fixed,' hinting at a future where the causes of sorrow are addressed. However, this optimism is tempered by the repetition of the chorus, reinforcing the idea that while there may be reasons for joy, the prevalence of sadness cannot be ignored. Ali Primera's 'Humanidad' is a call to acknowledge and address the suffering in the world, while still holding onto the hope for a better future.