Comedor piquetero

Andrés Calamaro's song 'Comedor piquetero' offers a vivid portrayal of a makeshift dining area for workers in Puerto Madero, a district in Buenos Aires known for its upscale real estate. The song juxtaposes the luxurious surroundings with the humble 'comedor' (dining room) set up by 'piqueteros'—a term referring to Argentine protestors, often from marginalized communities, who block roads to demand social justice. This contrast highlights the stark economic disparities and the resilience of the working class in the face of adversity.

The lyrics describe a Brazilian tourist who mistakenly ends up at the 'comedor piquetero,' bringing with him a carton of cheap wine and finding joy in the simple, free offerings like 'torta frita' (fried dough) and leftover yerba mate. This scenario underscores the theme of finding contentment and community in modest circumstances, even as the tourist's initial confusion serves as a metaphor for the broader societal disconnect between different social classes.

Calamaro's repeated references to the 'burbuja inmobiliaria' (real estate bubble) and the 'vida paria' (pariah life) further emphasize the exclusion and marginalization experienced by the working class. The song questions the blessings of God upon the humble and marginalized, adding a layer of spiritual reflection to the social critique. The phrase 'god bless you' at the end serves as a poignant reminder of the universal need for compassion and solidarity, regardless of one's social standing.

Through its rich imagery and poignant lyrics, 'Comedor piquetero' serves as a powerful social commentary on economic inequality, community resilience, and the human spirit's capacity for finding joy in the simplest of circumstances.