Nunca (feat. Los Refugio Tiernos)

David Hidalgo's song "Nunca (feat. Los Refugio Tiernos)" is a powerful and raw expression of frustration and defiance against systemic oppression and broken promises. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the immigrant experience in the United States, highlighting the disillusionment with the so-called American Dream. The song opens with a reference to the Statue of Liberty, traditionally a symbol of hope and refuge, but here it is depicted as a 'brazen giant' that blocks the 'golden door' to a land of lies. This stark imagery sets the tone for the rest of the song, which is filled with anger and a sense of betrayal.

The recurring metaphor of the wolf, a wild and untamed creature, symbolizes the resilience and ferocity of those who have been marginalized and oppressed. The wolf, 'cut from the pack' and with 'blood on my fur,' represents the immigrant who has been separated from their community and forced to survive in a hostile environment. The repeated line 'a beaten dog never forgets' underscores the lasting impact of trauma and the enduring memory of injustice. This metaphor serves to remind listeners that the pain and struggle of the oppressed are not easily erased.

Hidalgo also critiques the socio-economic structures that exploit and dehumanize immigrants. The line 'Broke our brown backs, chasing Mr. White's dream' poignantly captures the physical and emotional toll of striving for an elusive dream that benefits the privileged at the expense of the marginalized. The song calls out the hypocrisy of the American ideals of freedom and equality, describing the Bill of Rights as a 'pyramid scheme.' The defiant tone is further emphasized with the lines 'Fuck your pale seniority' and 'Go build your walls, we own the majority,' asserting the strength and resilience of the immigrant community in the face of systemic racism and exclusion.

"Nunca" is not just a song; it is a rallying cry for justice and recognition. It challenges listeners to confront the harsh realities faced by immigrants and to acknowledge the strength and resilience of those who continue to fight for their place in a society that often seeks to marginalize them.