Cambalache

Ismael Serrano's rendition of 'Cambalache' is a poignant and biting critique of societal decay and moral relativism. Originally written by Enrique Santos Discépolo in 1934, the song's lyrics remain strikingly relevant, capturing the disillusionment and cynicism of modern times. The song opens with a stark declaration that the world has always been a mess, filled with corruption, deceit, and a mix of good and bad people. However, the 20th century, according to the song, has taken this to an extreme, showcasing an unprecedented level of insolent wickedness. The imagery of everyone being 'manoseaos' (handled or tainted) in the same mud highlights the pervasive nature of this moral decline.

The song's chorus underscores the theme of moral equivalence, where distinctions between right and wrong, wise and ignorant, generous and fraudulent, have all but disappeared. The lyrics lament that in this chaotic world, there is no longer any respect for merit or morality. The line '¡Todo es igual! ¡nada es mejor!' (Everything is the same! Nothing is better!) encapsulates this sense of despair and frustration. The song paints a picture of a society where traditional values and hierarchies have been upended, and everyone, regardless of their actions or character, is seen as equal in their moral ambiguity.

'Cualquiera es un señor! ¡cualquiera es un ladrón!' (Anyone is a gentleman! Anyone is a thief!) further emphasizes the blurred lines between respectability and criminality. The song references historical and cultural figures, mixing them indiscriminately to illustrate the chaotic and disrespectful nature of contemporary life. The metaphor of life being like a disrespectful shop window ('vidriera irrespetuosa') where everything is jumbled together, and the image of the Bible crying against a heater, poignantly capture the sense of a world turned upside down. The final verses drive home the message that in this frenzied, problematic century, survival often means abandoning principles, as those who do not exploit or deceive are seen as fools.