Las Gallinas Son Así
Boca Juniors
The Fierce Rivalry in Argentine Football Anthems
The song 'Las Gallinas Son Así' is not a typical song by an artist, but rather a football chant commonly sung by the supporters of the Argentine football club Boca Juniors. The term 'gallinas' (hens) is a derogatory nickname used by Boca fans to refer to their arch-rivals, River Plate, suggesting cowardice and lack of spirit. The lyrics highlight the perceived differences in fan loyalty between the two clubs, with Boca fans claiming that River Plate supporters only show up when their team is winning, implying that their support is conditional and less passionate.
In contrast, the song proudly proclaims the unwavering support of Boca Juniors' fans, regardless of the team's success. The repetition of 'Yo soy de Boca, señor' (I am from Boca, sir) and the call to 'Cantemos todos con alegría' (Let's all sing with joy) emphasizes the pride and joy of being a Boca fan. The chant is a rallying cry, uniting the fans in their support and reinforcing their identity through the highs and lows of football seasons.
The chant's simple and repetitive structure, particularly the lines 'Y dale, Bo, y dale, dale, Boca' (Go on, Bo, go on, go on, Boca), is designed to be catchy and easy to sing along to in a stadium setting. It serves to energize the crowd and intimidate the opposition. The song encapsulates the fierce rivalry that defines Argentine football culture, where loyalty to one's club is a source of personal identity and pride.