Nunca

Los Refugios Tiernos' song "Nunca" is a powerful and raw expression of anger and defiance against systemic oppression and the broken promises of the American Dream. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the struggles faced by immigrants and marginalized communities in the United States. The opening lines, "Mother of exiles, the torch of hope / In the toss of the tempest, threw us medicine's rope," reference the Statue of Liberty, traditionally a symbol of welcome and hope for immigrants. However, the song quickly subverts this image, describing the statue as a "brazen giant" that blocks the "golden door" to the so-called land of opportunity, now dubbed the "US of Lies."

The chorus, with its repeated declaration, "I am a wolf, a wild cur / Cut from the pack, with blood on my fur," symbolizes the fierce independence and resilience of those who have been cast out and mistreated. The wolf, a creature often associated with both danger and survival, represents the marginalized individuals who refuse to be broken by their circumstances. The line "Every howl marks the dead / Cause a beaten dog / Never forgets" underscores the lasting impact of trauma and the enduring memory of injustice.

The song also critiques the socio-economic structures that exploit and dehumanize immigrant labor. Lines like "Broke our brown backs, chasing Mr White's dream / That Bill of Rights was just a pyramid scheme" highlight the false promises and systemic racism embedded in the pursuit of the American Dream. The defiant cry, "Fuck your pale senority / Go build your walls / We own the majority," challenges the power structures and asserts the strength and resilience of the oppressed. "Nunca" is not just a song; it's a rallying cry for justice and a reminder that the fight against oppression is far from over.