El Curro
Damas Gratis
The Hustle: A Satirical Take on Making Ends Meet
Damas Gratis, a popular cumbia villera band from Argentina, is known for their humorous and often satirical lyrics that reflect the everyday struggles and realities of working-class life. In their song "El Curro," the band delves into the theme of finding unconventional ways to make money, often referred to as a 'curro' in Argentine slang. The song humorously suggests that instead of working long hours or doing extra shifts, one should use a bit of ingenuity to find a more lucrative and less labor-intensive hustle.
The lyrics playfully describe a scenario where the protagonist's wife has found a highly profitable 'curro' that allows her to work very few hours while earning a significant amount of money. The repeated lines, "hay que curro, hay que curro, el que tiene tu señora," emphasize the envy and curiosity of others who wish to have such an easy and profitable job. The song uses the metaphor of selling churros to hint at the wife's mysterious and possibly dubious means of earning money, adding a layer of satire and social commentary on the lengths people go to make ends meet.
The song also touches on the societal judgment and gossip that often accompany unconventional ways of making money. The line, "comentan las malas lenguas que la gana con el curro," suggests that people are quick to speculate and spread rumors about how the wife earns her money. This reflects a broader commentary on societal attitudes towards non-traditional jobs and the stigma that can be associated with them. Through its catchy rhythm and witty lyrics, "El Curro" offers a humorous yet insightful look at the hustle culture and the creative ways people navigate financial challenges.