El Barzón

The song 'El Barzón' by Amparo Ochoa is a poignant narrative that delves into the hardships faced by the rural working class in Mexico. The lyrics tell the story of a peasant's struggle against the injustices of a wealthy landowner. The term 'barzón' refers to a leather strap that connects the yoke to the plow; its breaking symbolizes the breaking point of the peasant under the weight of oppression and exploitation, yet the work continues ('y sigue la yunta andando') despite the adversity.

The song's verses detail the exploitation of the peasant's labor. The rich landowner takes the fruits of the peasant's hard work, leaving him with nothing, not even enough to eat. The detailed account of debts and unfair charges highlights the cycle of poverty and debt that the peasant cannot escape. The peasant's partner encourages him to stop working for the exploitative landowner and to seek justice, emphasizing the theme of resistance against systemic abuse.

Amparo Ochoa's rendition of 'El Barzón' is not just a song but a social commentary and a call to action. It reflects the historical context of the Mexican Revolution and the ongoing struggle for land and freedom. The repeated line 'Se me reventó el barzón y sigue la yunta andando' serves as a powerful metaphor for resilience in the face of relentless hardship. The song's narrative and its delivery by Ochoa, known for her folk and protest music, resonate with the spirit of revolution and the fight against oppression.