Mentires
Los Berrones
The Bitter Truths of Rural Life in 'Mentires' by Los Berrones
Los Berrones' song 'Mentires' paints a vivid picture of the struggles faced by rural communities, particularly in the face of broken promises and bureaucratic neglect. The lyrics begin with a sense of betrayal, as the singer recalls promises that their village would remain untouched. However, the arrival of machinery, described as having 'sharp teeth,' symbolizes the destructive force of modernization and industrialization, tearing down hedges and ruining fields.
The song continues to highlight the personal consequences of these changes. The singer faces legal repercussions for cutting down some bushes, receiving a prison sentence and a hefty fine. This personal anecdote underscores the harsh and often unjust treatment of rural inhabitants by authorities. The introduction of wolves and wild boars, which threaten livestock and damage fields, further illustrates the neglect and mismanagement of rural areas by those in power.
A recurring theme in 'Mentires' is the frustration with bureaucratic inefficiency and corruption. The singer has been waiting for a decade for a subsidy to repair a granary, only to see it collapse due to lack of funds. Meanwhile, the authorities claim there is no budget for such repairs, yet they spend lavishly on their own needs. The chorus, repeating 'Mentires, mentires ná más,' drives home the pervasive sense of dishonesty and disillusionment with those in power. The song ends on a sarcastic note, with a character heading to an inauguration, highlighting the superficiality and self-serving nature of political events.
'Los Berrones' use of regional language and cultural references adds authenticity to the song, making it a powerful critique of the socio-political issues affecting rural communities. The song resonates with anyone who has felt the sting of broken promises and the weight of systemic neglect.