Las Sierras Electricas

Los Prisioneros' song "Las Sierras Electricas" is a powerful critique of economic exploitation and social inequality. The lyrics use the metaphor of electric saws to represent the relentless and brutal nature of financial systems that cut through people's lives and livelihoods. The imagery of saws cutting coins in the secret vaults of banks highlights the hidden and insidious ways in which wealth is accumulated at the expense of the working class. The stainless steel blades and their impeccable cuts symbolize the cold, calculated efficiency of these systems.

The song goes further to describe how these metaphorical saws cut through people's wrists, a vivid depiction of the physical and emotional toll of economic exploitation. The reference to a "miserable salary" underscores the meager compensation that workers receive for their labor, while the accumulation of a "respectable fortune" after a million severed wrists points to the vast disparities in wealth and power. This stark contrast emphasizes the dehumanizing effects of capitalism, where the suffering of many leads to the enrichment of a few.

Moreover, the song expands its scope to a global level, stating that these electric saws cut through countries, races, and the weak. This suggests that economic oppression is not confined to a single nation or group but is a pervasive issue affecting marginalized communities worldwide. The repeated calls to "cut" and the relentless rhythm of the song mirror the unceasing nature of this exploitation. By using such vivid and violent imagery, Los Prisioneros effectively convey the urgency and severity of the issue, urging listeners to recognize and challenge the systemic forces that perpetuate inequality.