Que Va a Pasar Un Obrero

Eduardo Guajardo's song "Que Va a Pasar Un Obrero" is a poignant tribute to the lives and struggles of workers, particularly miners, who endure harsh conditions and face constant danger. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of their daily existence, blending the lines between day and night as they toil in the depths of the earth. This imagery of 'reptando en los socavones' (crawling in the tunnels) and 'mezclando el día y la noche' (mixing day and night) underscores the grueling and relentless nature of their work, where each day feels like a rebirth into the same cycle of hardship.

The song also delves into the emotional and social aspects of the workers' lives. The 'oscuros rostros' (dark faces) reflect on their 'triste y breve rutina' (sad and brief routine), finding solace in memories and in the communal act of singing while drinking wine. This duality of sorrow and camaraderie highlights the resilience and solidarity among the workers, who transform their pain into a shared cultural expression. The repeated mention of 'la viuda' (the widow) seeing these men 'heridos siempre de muerte' (always mortally wounded) serves as a stark reminder of the ever-present danger and the sacrifices made by these laborers.

The chorus, urging respect for the passing worker or miner, emphasizes the dignity and importance of these individuals. They are not just laborers but the very foundation of the community, 'el hombre que fundó mi pueblo' (the man who founded my town). The song questions the fate of those who have passed, pondering whether their sacrifices were in vain. However, it ultimately asserts that their legacy lives on through the continued struggle and the love that binds the community together. The final lines, 'marchamos con nuestros muertos, somos fruto de su amor' (we march with our dead, we are the fruit of their love), encapsulate the enduring spirit and the deep connection between past and present generations.