La Politica no Cabe en la Azucarera

Carlos Varela's song "La Politica no Cabe en la Azucarera" paints a vivid picture of life in Havana, Cuba, through a series of vignettes that highlight the struggles and contradictions faced by its residents. The song opens with a friend who buys a 1959 Chevrolet but refuses to change its parts, rendering it immobile. This metaphorically represents the stagnation and resistance to change that characterizes much of Cuban society. The oppressive heat of Havana and the people's anticipation of change that never comes further emphasize the sense of inertia and frustration.

The recurring line, "La política no cabe en la azucarera" (Politics doesn't fit in the sugar mill), serves as a poignant refrain throughout the song. It suggests that the everyday struggles of ordinary Cubans are far removed from the grand political narratives that often dominate discussions about the country. Varela introduces characters like Felipito, who leaves for the United States only to find a different set of challenges, and an artist-turned-worker who traffics in tourist money to support his family. These stories underscore the harsh economic realities and the lengths to which people go to survive.

Varela also touches on broader social issues, such as the apartheid-like inequalities and the impact of the U.S. embargo on Cuba. The line "fuck you y tu bloqueo" (fuck you and your blockade) is a direct and raw expression of anger towards the external pressures that exacerbate the island's difficulties. The song's chorus, with its plea to God and the mention of playing voodoo when the power is cut, adds a layer of existential despair and a search for meaning in a seemingly indifferent world. Through its rich imagery and poignant lyrics, "La Politica no Cabe en la Azucarera" captures the complex interplay of personal and political struggles in contemporary Cuban life.