Guita
Los Caligaris
From Rags to Riches: The Humble Journey in 'Guita' by Los Caligaris
Los Caligaris' song 'Guita' tells the story of a humble man who experiences a sudden change in fortune. The protagonist starts by describing his modest beginnings, living in a house made of mud and working as a car caretaker. Despite his hard work, he has always been poor and never had any surplus. This changes when he wins a significant amount of money in a lottery, a life-altering event that brings both joy and new challenges.
The lyrics highlight the protagonist's cautious approach to his newfound wealth. Instead of indulging in extravagant luxuries, he makes practical improvements to his life, such as buying a water heater and ensuring he has enough hot water bags to stay warm. He also treats himself to small pleasures like candy and ice cream, and upgrades his old radio. However, he remains grounded, continuing his job as a car caretaker and even humorously mentioning that he still enjoys stealing chickens for fun.
A recurring theme in the song is the protagonist's resistance to change his identity despite his new wealth. He is criticized for not buying new clothes and for maintaining his old habits, but he proudly declares that he will not change his old car, the 'rastrojero.' This reflects a deep sense of self-acceptance and pride in his roots, emphasizing that money has not altered his core values or who he is as a person. The song captures the essence of staying true to oneself amidst changing circumstances, blending humor with a poignant message about identity and humility.