Los Jóvenes de Hoy En Día

Les Luthiers, an Argentine comedy-musical group known for their satirical and humorous takes on various aspects of society, present a biting critique of modern youth in their song 'Los Jóvenes de Hoy En Día.' The lyrics, performed by Jorge Maronna and Carlos López Puccio, paint a picture of a generation perceived as lacking in ideology and moral compass, obsessed with drugs, sex, and hedonistic pleasures. The song humorously contrasts the supposed virtues of the past with the perceived vices of the present, using exaggerated stereotypes to highlight the generational gap.

The song opens with a lament about the youth's lack of ideology and their preoccupation with drugs and sex. This sets the tone for a series of humorous and exaggerated complaints about how young people today are seen as morally bankrupt and devoid of any sense of right and wrong. The lyrics play on the nostalgia of older generations, who often view their own youth as more disciplined and morally upright. This is humorously undercut by the admission that television, a modern scapegoat for moral decay, didn't even exist in their time.

As the song progresses, the duo continues to bemoan the behavior of young people, from their early sexual activity to their wild nights at discotheques. The repeated questioning of 'Where did the dignity go?' and 'Where did the decency go?' serves as a comedic refrain, highlighting the absurdity of their exaggerated concerns. The song culminates in a humorous twist, where the older generation's envy and curiosity about the youth's seemingly carefree and pleasurable lifestyle come to the forefront, revealing a deeper, more human connection between the generations.

'Los Jóvenes de Hoy En Día' is a clever and humorous critique that uses satire to explore the timeless theme of generational conflict. By exaggerating the concerns of the older generation and juxtaposing them with the carefree attitudes of the youth, Les Luthiers create a piece that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, encouraging listeners to reflect on their own perceptions and biases about different generations.