La Calle

Juanes' song 'La Calle' is a vivid portrayal of the harsh realities and complexities of life. The lyrics paint a picture of a world where everything has a price, from peace to politics, and where the truth is often obscured by deception. The opening lines suggest a transactional nature to life, where even the morning can be bought with a kiss, and peace comes at a cost. This sets the tone for a song that delves into the various ways in which society is driven by materialism and superficiality.

The chorus, '¡ay! que la calle está dura,' which translates to 'oh, the street is tough,' serves as a recurring reminder of the difficulties and challenges faced in everyday life. The metaphor of the street being tough reflects the struggle for survival and success in a competitive world. The line 'que el que no corre vuela,' meaning 'he who doesn't run, flies,' emphasizes the need for constant movement and adaptation to stay ahead. This imagery captures the relentless pace and pressure of modern life, where standing still is not an option.

Throughout the song, Juanes uses clever wordplay and metaphors to highlight societal issues. For instance, the line 'la mentira usaba lentes de contacto' (the lie wore contact lenses) suggests that deception is often disguised and hard to detect. The reference to political and economic elements, such as taxes and tariffs, further underscores the complexity and often absurdity of the systems that govern our lives. The song also touches on themes of identity and self-reflection, as seen in the repeated question, '¿cuál es la raíz cuadrada de mi mismo?' (what is the square root of myself?), indicating a search for deeper meaning and understanding in a chaotic world.

'La Calle' is a powerful commentary on the struggles and contradictions of contemporary life. Juanes' use of rich, poetic language and thought-provoking metaphors invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences and the broader societal context in which they live.