Volveré y seré remera
Don Lunfardo Y El Señor Otario
The Commodification of Revolution: A Satirical Take on Che Guevara's Legacy
Don Lunfardo Y El Señor Otario's song "Volveré y seré remera" offers a biting critique of the commercialization and superficial appropriation of revolutionary symbols, specifically focusing on Che Guevara. The lyrics highlight how Che's image has been commodified and turned into a fashion statement, devoid of its original revolutionary significance. The song opens with a depiction of people buying Che Guevara t-shirts to show off, parading around the city without any real understanding of who Che was or what he stood for. This superficiality is underscored by the repeated question, "¡Che! ¿Pero quién es?" ("Che! But who is he?"). The irony is palpable, as the song mocks the ignorance of those who wear Che's image without grasping his historical and ideological importance.
The chorus, with its repetitive chants of "¡Gritemos Che! ¡Arriba el Che!" ("Let's shout Che! Up with Che!") juxtaposed with the question of his identity, serves to emphasize the hollow nature of this modern-day idolization. The song further delves into the absurdity of Che's image being plastered on consumer goods, from shopping malls to supermarkets, and even in fashion shows. The line "Yo tengo miedo que me encierren en la cajita feliz" ("I'm afraid they'll lock me in a Happy Meal box") poignantly captures the fear of reducing a revolutionary icon to a mere marketing gimmick.
The song also touches on the broader theme of globalization and its contradictions. The reference to "De sierra maestra Carrefour" ("From Sierra Maestra to Carrefour") highlights the irony of a revolutionary figure being commercialized in global retail chains. The song ends with a call to recognize this commodification, urging listeners to understand the true essence of Che's legacy rather than blindly following a trend. Through its satirical tone and sharp lyrics, "Volveré y seré remera" serves as a powerful commentary on the commercialization of revolutionary symbols and the loss of their original meaning in contemporary culture.