Urbanidad
El Haragán y Cía
The Decay of Urban Life in 'Urbanidad'
El Haragán y Cía's song 'Urbanidad' paints a stark and gritty picture of life in a decaying city. The lyrics describe a city that is rotting from within, filled with pollution, garbage, and a sense of hopelessness. The repeated imagery of 'arterias de cables' (arteries of cables) suggests a city that is not only physically decaying but also metaphorically suffocating its inhabitants. The use of the word 'pudre' (rots) emphasizes the extent of the decay, affecting both the city and its residents.
The song also touches on the inevitability of misfortune in such an environment. The repeated line 'No siempre te puede ir bien' (Not always can it go well for you) serves as a grim reminder that life in the city is fraught with challenges and setbacks. The mention of 'basura y el humo' (garbage and smoke) and 'malviviendo en las calles' (barely living in the streets) highlights the harsh realities faced by those living in urban poverty. The phrase 'te mueres día a día' (you die day by day) underscores the slow, grinding toll that city life takes on its inhabitants.
Despite the bleakness, the song offers a somewhat resigned piece of advice: 'No lo tomes muy a pecho muchacho' (Don't take it too hard, kid). This line, repeated multiple times, suggests a coping mechanism for dealing with the harsh realities of urban life. The phrase '¡Se te va el camión!' (You miss the bus!) serves as a metaphor for missed opportunities and the small, everyday failures that can feel monumental in such a challenging environment. The repetition of this line adds a touch of dark humor, acknowledging the absurdity and inevitability of these setbacks.
'Urbanidad' is a powerful commentary on the struggles of urban living, capturing both the physical decay of the city and the emotional toll it takes on its residents. The song's raw and unfiltered lyrics provide a poignant snapshot of life in a city that is both literally and metaphorically falling apart.