Cinco siglos igual

A.N.I.M.A.L's song 'Cinco siglos igual' is a powerful and evocative commentary on the enduring struggles and injustices faced by Latin America over the past five centuries. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a land marked by solitude, bloodshed, and broken promises. The phrase 'cinco siglos igual' (five centuries the same) serves as a haunting refrain, emphasizing the persistent nature of these issues. The imagery of 'soledad sobre ruinas' (solitude over ruins) and 'sangre en el trigo rojo y amarillo' (blood in the red and yellow wheat) evokes a sense of desolation and loss, while also alluding to the rich, yet troubled, history of the region.

The song delves into themes of freedom and oppression, with lines like 'libertad sin galope' (freedom without gallop) and 'banderas rotas' (broken flags) symbolizing the unfulfilled promises of liberty and the shattered dreams of the people. The mention of 'medallas de oro y plata contra esperanza' (gold and silver medals against hope) highlights the stark contrast between the material wealth of the few and the enduring hope of the many. This juxtaposition underscores the deep-rooted inequalities and the ongoing struggle for justice and dignity.

A.N.I.M.A.L also touches on the cyclical nature of history, with references to 'desamor, desencuentro, perdón y olvido' (lovelessness, misunderstanding, forgiveness, and forgetfulness) and 'pueblos trabajadores, infancias pobres' (working people, poor childhoods). These lines reflect the recurring patterns of suffering and resilience that have defined the lives of many in Latin America. The song's powerful conclusion, with its imagery of 'tinieblas con flores' (darkness with flowers) and 'revoluciones' (revolutions), suggests a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness, hinting at the possibility of change and renewal despite the long history of struggle.