Carlitos Jesus

The song 'Carlitos Jesus' by Fiskales Ad-Hok paints a vivid and poignant picture of the harsh realities faced by the working class in Chile. The lyrics delve into the life of Carlitos Jesus, a laborer who endures back-breaking work, poor pay, and constant mistreatment. The song opens with a description of the grueling physical labor that Carlitos and others like him endure, likening them to beasts of burden. This metaphor underscores the dehumanizing conditions they face daily, questioning when this relentless cycle of exploitation will end.

The narrative takes a personal turn as the speaker recounts a conversation with Carlitos Jesus at the intersection of Lord Cochrane and Avenida Matta, a place symbolizing the harsh urban environment where the marginalized struggle to survive. Carlitos, depicted as a car caretaker and street vendor, shares his stories of poverty and anger, highlighting the systemic neglect and exploitation of those who give their best years to labor only to receive crumbs in return. The imagery of Carlitos' cracked hands, wrinkled face, and the smell of his hunger powerfully conveys the physical and emotional toll of his life.

The song also critiques the political system, pointing out that promises of improvement were never meant for the working class. Instead, the poor remain trapped under a severe regime, their lives exchanged for blows to the back. The recurring theme of being forgotten and abandoned by society is emphasized through the metaphor of dancing the 'waltz of oblivion' on Avenida Matta. This dance represents the perpetual cycle of neglect and the fleeting nature of any attention or aid they receive. The song ends with a somber reflection on the enduring plight of the poor, questioning how long Carlitos and others like him can continue to endure such hardships.