Western

The song 'Western' by Attaque 77, an Argentine punk rock band known for their socially conscious lyrics, delves into the harsh realities faced by South Americans, contrasting them with the glamorized version of life often depicted in Hollywood movies. The lyrics question the listener's expectations of grandeur and happy endings, pointing out that such fantasies are not representative of the true South American experience. The repeated line 'Qué esperas?' which translates to 'What do you expect?' challenges the audience to confront the fact that life is not a movie, and heroes in this part of the world are not like the invincible characters portrayed in Western films.

The song paints a picture of daily life filled with bureaucracy, corruption, and a lack of justice, where the 'good guys' often meet tragic ends. The narrative describes a local hero, a master of bypass surgery, who ultimately takes his own life to escape the corruption that surrounds him. This poignant story serves as a metaphor for the despair and hopelessness that can result from living in a society where systemic issues are pervasive and seemingly insurmountable. The hero's suicide is a grim commentary on the extreme measures some may feel forced to take when faced with such circumstances.

Attaque 77's 'Western' is a powerful critique of the societal and political issues that plague South America. It strips away the illusion of the cinematic world and replaces it with a raw and authentic portrayal of the struggles faced by real people. The song's dark tone and somber narrative reflect the band's punk roots and their commitment to addressing the gritty realities of life through their music.