Poder Elegir

Downtown Boys' song 'Poder Elegir' is a powerful anthem that speaks to the struggles and frustrations of everyday life, while also calling for empowerment and resistance. The lyrics begin by highlighting the mundane and often disheartening aspects of life, such as eating, crying, and watching the years go by. The repetition of the phrase 'La vida no es broma' (Life is no joke) underscores the seriousness of these struggles and the need for something more meaningful.

The song then shifts to a critique of societal structures that keep people in a state of ignorance and complacency. The line 'Su fuerza es la ignorancia de todos nosotros' (Their strength is our ignorance) points to the way those in power exploit the lack of awareness among the masses. The metaphor of 'vampires' suggests that these powerful entities feed off the people's ignorance, ensuring that the status quo remains unchanged. This imagery is both vivid and unsettling, driving home the urgency of the message.

The chorus serves as a rallying cry for action and self-determination. 'Queremos elegir decidir' (We want to choose to decide) and 'Debemos elegir cómo quieres vivir' (We must choose how you want to live) are calls to reclaim agency and fight against exploitation. The song encourages listeners to stop merely surviving and start living with purpose and intention. It emphasizes the importance of awareness, action, and solidarity in overcoming the forces that seek to keep people oppressed. The final lines, 'Su poder es nuestra ignorancia' (Their power is our ignorance), reiterate the central theme: knowledge and awareness are key to dismantling oppressive systems.