Hay Que Comer

El Cuarteto de Nos, a renowned Uruguayan rock band known for their satirical and often darkly humorous lyrics, delivers a stark and biting commentary on economic hardship in their song 'Hay Que Comer.' The title, which translates to 'We Have to Eat,' sets the tone for a narrative that explores the lengths to which people might go when faced with extreme poverty. The song's protagonist recounts a series of increasingly desperate and morally questionable actions taken to survive, all underscored by a grim sense of humor.

The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a family that has fallen from relative comfort into dire straits. The opening lines describe the loss of basic utilities and food, setting the stage for a tale of decline. The protagonist reminisces about better times when they could afford luxuries like dining out and private schooling for their children. However, the current reality is starkly different, with the family resorting to selling stolen peanuts and breaking open a piggy bank meant for their children to buy alcohol. This juxtaposition of past affluence and present desperation highlights the sudden and severe nature of their economic downfall.

As the song progresses, the actions taken by the family become more extreme and macabre. The protagonist admits to killing their mother because the cost of her care was too high, burning their children's toys for warmth, and even cooking the family dog. These actions, while shocking, are presented with a darkly comedic tone that underscores the absurdity and tragedy of their situation. The repeated refrain, 'Hay que comer,' serves as a grim reminder of the basic human need driving these extreme measures. The song culminates in the protagonist performing a makeshift surgery on their wife and using the removed appendix in a stew, a final act of desperation that encapsulates the song's blend of dark humor and social commentary.

Through 'Hay Que Comer,' El Cuarteto de Nos uses satire to explore themes of economic instability, survival, and the moral compromises people make in desperate times. The song's dark humor serves to both entertain and provoke thought, challenging listeners to consider the real-life implications of such extreme poverty and the societal structures that contribute to it.