Sr. Cobranza

The song 'Sr. Cobranza' by Argentine rock band Bersuit Vergarabat is a vehement critique of the political and social corruption in Argentina during the 1990s. The lyrics are a direct attack on the political figures of the time, including then-President Carlos Menem and Economy Minister Domingo Cavallo. The song's title, which translates to 'Mr. Collection,' is a metaphor for the government's perceived greed and exploitation of the people. The band uses strong, confrontational language to express the frustration and anger of the Argentine public towards their leaders.

The song references specific events and figures, such as Norma Plá, an activist known for her fight for pensioners' rights, suggesting that she should kill Cavallo, which is a hyperbolic expression of the deep discontent with his economic policies. The mention of drug trafficking ('narcos') is a metaphor for the corrupt and illicit activities that the band felt were pervasive in the government. The lyrics also touch on the repression and discrimination faced by marginalized groups, including the LGBTQ+ community and the poor, who are often targeted by the authorities.

The song's chorus, with its repeated 'Ay ay ay, uy uy uy,' followed by a reference to Jujuy, a province in Argentina, and 'El Perro' Santillan, a labor leader, highlights the grassroots resistance against the system. The band calls for a change, suggesting that the power held by the corrupt will eventually be lost to the voices of the oppressed. The raw energy and explicit content of the song encapsulate the band's desire to see a transformation in the political landscape, advocating for the rights of the common people against the backdrop of systemic abuse and corruption.