Perros
Cielo Razzo
The Struggles of the Everyday Worker in 'Perros' by Cielo Razzo
Cielo Razzo's song 'Perros' paints a vivid picture of the daily grind and struggles faced by a working-class individual. The lyrics describe a man who starts his day with the rising sun, only to be met with the harsh realities of life as night falls. The imagery of 'sin escudo ni farol' (without shield or lantern) suggests a life lived without protection or guidance, navigating through the routine with an old truck. The 'barrios ardiendo' (burning neighborhoods) and the punishment his back receives symbolize the physical and emotional toll of his labor-intensive job.
The song delves deeper into the man's psyche, revealing his thoughts as he contemplates his life through the rearview mirror. This mirror not only shows him the path he has traveled but also hides the road ahead, indicating a sense of being lost or stuck in a cycle. The metaphor of 'pobres animales que siempre vuelven al mismo arbolito' (poor animals that always return to the same little tree) underscores the repetitive and seemingly inescapable nature of his existence.
As the day ends, the man returns home to find his wife has left to make some money, selling clothes in the same burning neighborhoods. The repetition of the phrase 'su espalda recibe el castigo' (his back receives the punishment) emphasizes the relentless nature of their struggles. The song concludes with the man stepping out into the street, 'desnudo de abrigos' (naked of coats), unafraid and cursing the 'perros de arriba' (dogs from above), which can be interpreted as a defiant stand against those in power who contribute to his hardships. 'Perros' is a poignant reflection on the resilience and endurance of the working class, highlighting their daily battles and unyielding spirit.