Agárrate Al Mangu
Los Berrones
A Call to Brace for Change: The Struggles of Economic Shifts in 'Agárrate Al Mangu'
Los Berrones, a band known for their unique blend of rock and traditional Asturian music, deliver a powerful message in their song 'Agárrate Al Mangu.' The lyrics reflect the economic hardships faced by many, particularly in regions dependent on industries like coal mining and agriculture. The opening lines, 'Habrá que tirase al monte y sembrar maíz cuando cierren tola industria,' suggest a return to agrarian roots as industries shut down, leaving people to question their means of survival.
The song highlights the impact of globalization and importation on local economies. The line 'que ye muncho más barato lo que traen de importación' points to the cheaper imported goods that undermine local production, particularly in the coal industry. This economic shift forces communities to adapt, often in ways that are not immediately beneficial. The repeated refrain 'Agárrate al mangu, que esto va a cambiar' serves as both a warning and a call to brace for the inevitable changes ahead.
Moreover, the song touches on the political promises and the reality of economic austerity. 'Por más que mos prometan arreglar la situación, nun tenemos más furacos pa apretar el cinturón' speaks to the empty promises of politicians and the exhaustion of the people who have no more room to tighten their belts. The reference to 'les vaques flaques' (the lean cows) is a metaphor for hard times, suggesting that the community must prepare for a period of scarcity and difficulty. Through its poignant lyrics, 'Agárrate Al Mangu' captures the resilience and determination of people facing economic adversity, urging them to hold on and adapt to survive.