Quien Me Enseño
Jorge Cafrune
The Unapologetic Voice of the Common Man
Jorge Cafrune's song "Quien Me Enseño" is a poignant reflection on identity, societal expectations, and the value of authenticity. The lyrics pose a rhetorical question about who taught the narrator to be 'bruto,' a Spanish term that can mean crude, unrefined, or simple. The song's narrator challenges the notion that being uneducated or unsophisticated is inherently negative, suggesting that his upbringing and life experiences have shaped him into the person he is, without the need for formal education or societal approval.
The song delves into the narrator's background, indicating that he was born into a working-class environment where practical skills were valued over academic knowledge. The mention of 'dotores'—a colloquial way of saying 'doctors'—refers to tools like the hoe and shovel, highlighting the narrator's familiarity with manual labor. The lyrics also touch upon the idea of resisting societal pressures, as the narrator refuses to be 'chicharrón,' a metaphor for someone who is easily consumed or exploited. This defiance is a statement of self-worth and individuality, asserting that one's value is not determined by conformity to societal norms or fluency in 'fine language.'
The song concludes with a powerful affirmation of the narrator's identity. He acknowledges that he is made of 'bone and flesh, soul and conscience, people and sweat,' which is enough for him to raise his voice. The 'reason' he speaks of is the intrinsic right to exist as he is, without being molded into something he's not. Cafrune's song is a celebration of the common man's wisdom and the legitimacy of voices that are often marginalized or dismissed. It's a call to recognize the dignity and humanity in every individual, regardless of their social status or educational background.