Se estan Quedando Solos
Illapu
The Solitude of the Corrupt: A Call for Change in 'Se están Quedando Solos'
Illapu's song 'Se están Quedando Solos' is a powerful critique of societal and political corruption, juxtaposed with the resilience and hope of the oppressed. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of two contrasting groups: those who exploit and deceive, and those who endure and fight for a better future. The song opens by addressing the corrupt individuals who are blind to the country's suffering, symbolized by the metaphor of 'those who look but do not see.' These individuals are likened to traitors who preach with violence and hypocrisy, ignoring the voices of the people calling for change. The imagery of a jackal without prey and a bride without a ring underscores their impending isolation and downfall.
In contrast, the song celebrates those who, despite facing cruelty, embody love and courage. These individuals are described as carrying the 'virtue of the verb to love' and confronting the wrath of powerful oppressors with the 'stones of courage.' The metaphors of spring jasmine, a mother with her child, and Salvadoran light highlight their purity, nurturing spirit, and illuminating hope. This group is depicted as growing and multiplying, symbolizing the rising tide of resistance and the promise of a new era.
The song also touches on the disillusionment of those who are trapped in darkness and corruption, dreaming of distant lands and prosperity while engaging in deceitful practices. These 'gerentejos' or petty managers are contrasted with the awakening populace, who are beginning to proclaim the end of one era and the dawn of another. The repetition of the phrase 'se están quedando solos' (they are being left alone) serves as a powerful reminder that the corrupt will ultimately face their isolation, while the just and courageous will continue to grow and thrive. Illapu's 'Se están Quedando Solos' is a stirring anthem of resistance, hope, and the inevitable triumph of justice over corruption.