La Plaga

Enrique Guzmán's song "La Plaga" is a vibrant representation of the rock and roll spirit that swept through the youth of the 1950s and 1960s. The song's title, which translates to 'The Plague,' is a playful metaphor for the infectious nature of rock and roll music and dance that was often viewed with suspicion and disapproval by the older generation. The lyrics describe a character who is irresistibly drawn to the music and the act of dancing, despite the disapproval of authority figures like parents ('mis jefes').

The repeated line 'Hay viene la plaga, le gusta bailar' (Here comes the plague, she likes to dance) suggests that the 'plague' is a person, possibly a girl who is a symbol of the rock and roll craze. She is described as the 'queen of the place' when she's rock and rolling, highlighting the admiration and influence she holds on the dance floor. The song's narrator also expresses a desire to marry this girl, not for her beauty, but for her passion for dancing, further emphasizing the importance of dance and music over traditional values.

"La Plaga" is not just a song about dancing; it's a celebration of youth culture and the rebellious spirit of rock and roll. It captures the tension between the conservative values of the older generation and the liberating new cultural expressions of the young. Enrique Guzmán, a pioneer of rock and roll in Mexico, encapsulates the joy and freedom that music brings, and the desire to break free from societal expectations. The song remains a testament to the enduring power of rock and roll as a symbol of youth, freedom, and rebellion.