Dulces 16

The song 'Dulces 16' by Buitres delves into the harsh and often hidden realities faced by young women involved in the world of prostitution. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a 16-year-old girl who finds herself in this dark and dangerous environment. The opening lines set the scene in a bar, where the girl must put on a facade of passion and allure to attract clients. The mention of her lighting a cigarette and being dismissed by one man only to be picked up by another highlights the transactional and dehumanizing nature of her situation.

The chorus, 'Dulces 16,' is a stark contrast to the grim reality described in the verses. The term 'dulces' (sweet) is ironic, as there is nothing sweet about the life she leads. The lyrics mention various locations in Montevideo, such as Rambla, Pocitos, Parque, and Ciudad Vieja, indicating that this is a widespread issue affecting different parts of the city. The girl is constantly in touch with her friends, planning escape routes in case things go wrong, which underscores the constant danger she faces.

The song also touches on the psychological toll this life takes on her. She hates the men she has to interact with, their faces, their perfume, and their words, but she endures it because they pay. The reference to the VIP area as an 'instantanea de una pecera' (snapshot of a fishbowl) suggests a sense of entrapment and surveillance, where she is always being watched and judged. The imagery of 'boca, aletas, ojos para afuera' (mouth, fins, eyes outwards) further emphasizes her feeling of being on display and objectified. 'Dulces 16' is a poignant commentary on the exploitation and loss of innocence experienced by young women in the sex trade.