El edificio

Bacilos' song 'El edificio' paints a vivid picture of a building that serves as a microcosm of society, highlighting the disparities and interactions among its residents. The building, located on Calle 83, is described as having good foundations and a double view of the sea, yet it is plagued by various issues such as unreliable hot water and electricity. The residents are divided into three groups: those living at the top, those at the bottom, and those in the middle. This division symbolizes social stratification, with the top residents enjoying luxuries like generators, while those at the bottom make do with candles, and the middle residents seem to be in a state of inertia, waiting for their moment.

The song delves into the dynamics between these groups, illustrating how the top residents celebrate incessantly, causing disturbances for those below. The middle residents, meanwhile, are depicted as passive, waiting for their turn to act. The narrative takes a turn when a resident from the 20th floor decides to descend, only to be held hostage on the 7th floor until he contributes something. This incident causes panic among the top residents, who flee, while those at the bottom remain in fear. The middle residents seize the opportunity to redistribute the apartments, symbolizing a shift in power dynamics.

The recurring plea to the 'superintendente' (superintendent) underscores the need for leadership and intervention to address the building's issues. The song ends with the narrator reflecting on their departure from the building, finding a new place to live with better amenities but missing the sense of community and familiarity of the old building. This juxtaposition highlights the trade-offs between material comfort and social connection, emphasizing the importance of community and the complexities of social hierarchies.