Hornos de Cal

La Vida Boheme's song 'Hornos de Cal' paints a vivid picture of survival and resilience in a harsh, urban environment. The lyrics describe a community that remains awake and alert despite the challenges they face, symbolized by the setting sun. This 'Edén de hormigón' or 'concrete Eden' represents a place of refuge that is both a sanctuary and a prison. The devil waiting at the door suggests constant threats and temptations that the community must resist to survive.

The imagery of bullets piercing windows and children being bathed in coffee highlights the violence and scarcity that pervade their lives. The 'techos de papel' or 'paper roofs' symbolize the fragility of their shelter and security. The flies around the altar and the shadows accompanying the little bread they have emphasize the dire conditions and the ever-present struggle for sustenance. The line 'pensar es morir sin cena' suggests that overthinking or dwelling on their plight can lead to despair and inaction.

The song also touches on themes of inheritance and continuity, as new generations are born into the same harsh conditions. The repeated phrase 'por los padres, por los hijos' underscores the cyclical nature of their struggle and the hope that their efforts will benefit future generations. The reference to 'cal' or lime being deeply planted in their veins suggests a deep-seated, almost inescapable hardship. Despite this, the community's resilience shines through as they continue to live and fight for a better future, symbolized by the act of washing their eyes in coffee, a ritual of awakening and perseverance.