River, Decime Qué Se Siente
Boca Juniors
The Fierce Rivalry in Argentine Football: Boca Juniors' Anthem of Mockery
The song 'River, Decime Qué Se Siente' is a chant by fans of the Argentine football club Boca Juniors, aimed at their arch-rivals, River Plate. The lyrics are a taunt, referencing a particularly difficult period in River Plate's history when they were relegated to the Nacional B division, which is the second tier of Argentine football. This event was a significant blow to River Plate's pride, as they are one of the country's most successful clubs, and their relegation was seen as a national embarrassment.
The song's lyrics serve as a reminder of this humiliation and are sung with a sense of schadenfreude. The phrase 'te fuiste a la B' directly points out River Plate's relegation, while 'quemaste el Monumental' likely refers to incidents of violence and disorder that have marred the club's reputation. 'Borrachos del Tablón' is the nickname for River Plate's hardcore supporters, and the song accuses them of cowardice and aggression towards players. This chant is not just about football; it's a cultural expression of the intense rivalry between the two Buenos Aires clubs, known as the Superclásico, which is one of the most heated derbies in world football.
The chant is emblematic of the passionate and often confrontational nature of football fandom in Argentina. It's a testament to how deeply the sport is woven into the fabric of Argentine culture, where football rivalries transcend the pitch and become part of the social and cultural dialogue. The song is less about musical artistry and more about the identity and pride of Boca Juniors' fans, serving as a battle cry that unites them against their eternal rivals.