20,000,000 de Pesos
Bersuit Vergarabat
The Price of Greed: A Satirical Dive into Materialism
Bersuit Vergarabat's song "20,000,000 de Pesos" is a biting satire on greed, materialism, and the moral decay that often accompanies the pursuit of wealth. The song opens with a series of numbers, likely representing lottery winnings, which culminate in the exclamation of "Veinte Millones De Pesos!" This sets the stage for the protagonist's story—a man who is consumed by his desire for more money, despite already having substantial wealth. The repetitive chant of "Diez Mil!!!" underscores the obsession with accumulating more, regardless of the amount.
The protagonist describes himself as a "miserable man" who, despite earning a lot, always wanted more. His nights are spent with his beloved calculator, symbolizing his fixation on money. The encounter with the lottery manager marks a turning point, leading to the windfall of twenty million pesos. This newfound wealth only fuels his greed further, as he engages in various dubious activities—buying dollars, trading stocks, and even selling his grandmother's blood. The mention of not accepting Argencard, a local credit card, adds a layer of cultural specificity, highlighting the lengths to which he will go to amass wealth.
The song also delves into the protagonist's self-perception and societal role. He sees himself as a "macanudo" (a cool guy), a protector of his family, and a patriot. However, this self-image is deeply ironic, as his actions are anything but noble. The sarcastic tone is evident when he claims to be doing everything for the people he loves, despite his clearly selfish motives. The final verses list a series of absurd purchases, from fish to honeymoon trips, further emphasizing the ridiculousness of his materialistic pursuits. Through this exaggerated portrayal, Bersuit Vergarabat critiques the hollow nature of wealth and the moral compromises people make in its pursuit.