Sos Un Botón
Flor de Piedra
The Betrayal of Roots: Analyzing 'Sos Un Botón' by Flor de Piedra
The song 'Sos Un Botón' by Flor de Piedra is a direct and unapologetic critique of someone who has abandoned their former lifestyle and friends to become a police officer, which in the context of the song, is seen as a betrayal. The term 'botón' is Argentine slang for a snitch or a cop, and it carries a negative connotation, especially within certain social circles that view the police with distrust or animosity. The lyrics express disbelief and disappointment that someone who was once part of a close-knit group, described as 'el picante' (the spicy one), has chosen a path that distances him from his past and his community.
The song paints a picture of a person who used to be a regular in the neighborhood, someone who was tough and had a certain street credibility. The transformation into a police officer is portrayed as a loss of identity and a turn to a more bitter existence, as suggested by the repeated line 'Nunca vi un policia tan amargo como vos' (I've never seen a cop as bitter as you). The lyrics also highlight the irony of the situation, where the protagonist now patrols the same streets he once roamed with his friends, and even arrests those he used to associate with. This change is seen as a form of selling out, and the song serves as a condemnation of this perceived betrayal.
Flor de Piedra is known for their cumbia music, which often includes social commentary and reflects the experiences and struggles of the working class in Argentina. 'Sos Un Botón' is a reflection of the tension between law enforcement and certain communities, and it uses the language and emotion of cumbia to communicate a sense of loss, betrayal, and disillusionment. The song resonates with listeners who may have witnessed similar situations where individuals from their own communities have taken paths that lead them away from their roots and into roles that are in conflict with their former identities.