Como Animales

Los de Marras' song 'Como Animales' is a powerful anthem that sheds light on the harsh realities faced by the working class. The lyrics paint vivid pictures of various laborers, from fishermen battling the sea to construction workers and miners facing life-threatening conditions. The song opens with the story of a fisherman who rises before dawn to face the treacherous sea, only to be ultimately defeated by it. This imagery sets the tone for the rest of the song, highlighting the constant battle and vulnerability of workers.

The song then shifts to the plight of a construction worker, whose body is sculpted by sweat and toil. The lyrics criticize the exploitative nature of the 'patrón' or boss, who benefits from the laborer's hard work while the worker faces the ever-present threat of death. This theme of exploitation is further emphasized in the chorus, where the workers are compared to animals, and their suffering is deemed 'inevitable' by those in power. The stark contrast between the laborers' dignity and the indifference of the wealthy is a central theme of the song.

'Como Animales' also delves into the lives of miners, who work in hellish conditions, constantly threatened by silicosis and other dangers. The song describes the dehumanizing experience of factory workers, who are reduced to mere cogs in a vast, deadly machine. The repeated refrain underscores the workers' dignity and resilience, asserting that it is better to die standing up than to succumb to a workplace accident. Through its raw and evocative lyrics, 'Como Animales' serves as a poignant critique of labor exploitation and a call for recognition of the workers' inherent dignity.