Dios Y El Diablo En El Taller
Juan Carlos Baglietto
The Divine and the Diabolical in the Workshop: A Tale of Struggle and Survival
Juan Carlos Baglietto's song "Dios Y El Diablo En El Taller" paints a vivid picture of the daily struggles faced by workers in a factory setting. The lyrics juxtapose divine and diabolical elements, symbolizing the internal and external conflicts that these individuals endure. The presence of God and the Devil whispering behind the protagonist's back suggests a constant battle between good and evil, hope and despair. The Virgin Mary, depicted in a nightgown, adds a touch of humanity and compassion, walking among the workers and offering solace, yet reminding them of the harsh realities they face.
The song delves into the monotony and disillusionment of factory life. The imagery of wet bicycles resting in the hallway and the winter arriving without wine for the workers highlights the bleakness of their existence. The mention of the radio broadcasting a dull, scoreless soccer match further emphasizes the sense of stagnation and lack of excitement in their lives. The prohibition of discussing the outside world in the factory's halls underscores the isolation and disconnection from broader societal issues.
Baglietto's lyrics also explore the dynamics between the divine and the diabolical within the workshop. The Devil, bored and seeking distractions, contrasts with God, who diligently performs his duties while whistling a tango. This tango, speaking of seeking the sun, symbolizes a yearning for a better life. The Devil's knowledge of places with women and something resembling love represents fleeting pleasures, while God's advice to endure reflects a more pragmatic approach to survival. The song concludes with the melancholic sound of the factory whistle, signaling the end of another day of toil and the Virgin Mary's reminder that survival requires effort and resilience.