Grito Changa

The song 'Grito Changa' by José Larralde is a poignant portrayal of the hardships faced by the working poor. The lyrics speak to the experience of a person who is willing to take any job ('conchabo') to make ends meet, highlighting the scarcity of work and the insufficiency of wages in comparison to the breadth of their responsibilities. The narrator expresses the physical toll of labor-intensive jobs and the lack of job security, as the employer refuses to take responsibility if the worker falls ill.

José Larralde, an Argentine folk singer and songwriter, is known for his powerful storytelling through music, often addressing social issues and the plight of the common man. In 'Grito Changa,' Larralde uses the metaphor of a 'grito' (shout) to represent the frustration and desperation of the working class who are struggling to provide for their families. The 'grito' is held back, as the narrator considers the innocence of his children ('cachorros') who should not bear the burden of their parent's struggles.

The song also challenges the value society places on labor, questioning the fairness of compensation for hard work. The repeated lines about not having enough for a cigarette ('ni pa cigarro') and the bone ('el hueso') that weighs heavily on the narrator's chest symbolize the constant struggle to afford even the most basic necessities. Larralde's lyrics call for recognition of the worker's worth and a reevaluation of the compensation for their labor, which is often taken for granted by those in positions of power.