Robar Para Vivir
Kapanga
Surviving in the Shadows: The Struggle of a Thief
Kapanga's song 'Robar Para Vivir' delves into the life of a person who turns to theft as a means of survival. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone who feels forced into a life of crime due to circumstances beyond their control. The protagonist justifies their actions by explaining that they stole to live, not out of malice or greed. This sentiment is encapsulated in the line, 'Robé para vivir, laburo de fakir,' which translates to 'I stole to live, a fakir's job,' suggesting a life of hardship and minimal means.
The song also touches on themes of identity and societal judgment. The protagonist reveals that they are not who others think they are, indicating a disconnect between their true self and the persona they are forced to adopt. This is evident in the line, 'sin ser, quien vos creias que yo era,' meaning 'without being who you thought I was.' The character feels misunderstood and judged by society, which has labeled them a thief without understanding their struggles.
Kapanga also critiques the social and economic systems that push individuals into such desperate situations. The lyrics mention how the protagonist's money and job were stolen from them, leading to their life of crime. The line, 'la sombra es para los que nos gobiernan,' or 'the shadow is for those who govern us,' suggests that those in power are the real culprits, hiding in the shadows while the marginalized suffer. The song ends on a somber note, with the protagonist behind bars, reflecting on their actions and the societal failures that led them there.