Si Se Calla El Cantor (part. Mercedes Sosa)

Horacio Guarany's song 'Si Se Calla El Cantor,' featuring the legendary Mercedes Sosa, is a powerful anthem that underscores the essential role of the singer, or 'cantor,' in society. The lyrics poignantly argue that if the singer's voice is silenced, life itself loses its vibrancy and meaning. The song opens with the assertion that life is intrinsically linked to song, suggesting that music is a fundamental expression of human existence. The silence of the singer symbolizes the death of hope, light, and joy, emphasizing the profound impact that art and expression have on the human spirit.

The song further explores the social implications of silencing the singer. Guarany highlights the plight of the working class, the 'humildes gorriones de los diarios' (humble sparrows of the newspapers) and the 'obreros del puerto' (port workers), who rely on the singer to voice their struggles and fight for their rights. The singer's role is not just to entertain but to advocate for those who suffer and to challenge injustices. The lyrics suggest that without the singer's voice, the marginalized and oppressed would be left without a champion, and their struggles would go unnoticed.

Guarany and Sosa call for the singer to never be silenced, as silence would only serve to perpetuate oppression and injustice. The song is a rallying cry for solidarity and resistance, urging all to raise their voices against wrongdoing. The imagery of 'mil guitarras desangren en la noche' (a thousand guitars bleeding in the night) evokes a powerful sense of collective action and enduring spirit. 'Si Se Calla El Cantor' is not just a song but a manifesto for the power of music and the necessity of speaking out against oppression.