De Igual a Igual

León Gieco's song 'De Igual a Igual' is a powerful commentary on immigration, inequality, and the historical injustices faced by Latin Americans. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the struggles and prejudices encountered by immigrants from various Latin American countries as they seek better lives abroad. Gieco uses a series of nationalities and locations to highlight the widespread nature of these issues, emphasizing that discrimination and hardship are common experiences for many Latin Americans, regardless of where they go.

The song also critiques the historical amnesia of European countries that once sent their own people to the Americas in search of refuge and opportunity. Gieco points out the irony in how these same countries now treat Latin American immigrants. He underscores this by mentioning the exploitation of natural resources, such as Brazilian wood, and the environmental degradation that accompanies it. The line 'Europa no recuerda de los barcos que mandó' serves as a poignant reminder of the past migrations that shaped the New World.

Gieco's lyrics also touch on the hypocrisy and double standards in immigration policies. He contrasts the treatment of ordinary immigrants with that of powerful individuals who can evade legal consequences due to their connections. The repeated refrain, 'Si me pedís que vuelva otra vez donde nací, yo pido que tu empresa se vaya de mi país,' encapsulates the demand for fair treatment and reciprocity. Gieco calls for a world where people are treated equally, regardless of their origin, and where the exploitation of one country by another is no longer tolerated.