Desde La Cana

Edmundo Rivero's song "Desde La Cana" offers a raw and vivid portrayal of life from the perspective of a prisoner. The lyrics are steeped in lunfardo, a type of Argentine slang that originated in the early 20th century among the lower classes and criminal underworld of Buenos Aires. This choice of language not only grounds the song in a specific cultural context but also adds a layer of authenticity and grit to the narrative. The protagonist, addressing a woman referred to as 'grela,' recounts the events that led to his incarceration and his current plight behind bars.

The song opens with the protagonist asking 'grela' to inform 'el zurdo' (the left-handed one) about a betrayal that led to his arrest. He describes how he was set up by a 'tira' (a snitch) and ended up in a confrontation involving a gun ('fierro') and a mess ('balurdo'). The use of lunfardo terms like 'curdo' (drunk) and 'yuta' (police) paints a vivid picture of the chaotic and dangerous world he inhabits. The protagonist's sense of betrayal and frustration is palpable as he recounts these events, highlighting the precariousness of life in the criminal underworld.

As the song progresses, the protagonist makes various requests to 'grela,' asking her to communicate with others on his behalf and to bring him items to make his time in prison more bearable. He expresses a glimmer of hope that he might be released if the magistrate ('magistrao') is lenient, but this hope is tempered by the harsh reality of his situation. The final verses reveal his vulnerability and longing for connection, as he asks 'grela' not to forget him despite his flaws and criminal past. This plea for remembrance and human connection adds a poignant layer to the song, making it not just a tale of crime and punishment, but also a deeply human story of love and loyalty.

"Desde La Cana" is a powerful exploration of the themes of betrayal, survival, and the quest for redemption. Through its use of lunfardo and its unflinching portrayal of life in the criminal underworld, the song offers a unique and compelling glimpse into a world that is often hidden from view.