Al Filo Del Reloj

“Al Filo Del Reloj” by Los Tigres del Norte is a poignant reflection on the passage of time and the injustices that often accompany it. The song opens with the story of a laborer who is punished for being late, highlighting the harsh realities faced by the working class. The clock, a symbol of time and authority, becomes an instrument of oppression, underscoring the disparity between the rich and the poor. The laborer’s plight is a metaphor for the broader struggles of the marginalized, who are often at the mercy of those in power.

The song then shifts to recount the execution of a brave man in Chihuahua, sentenced to death by the signature of Carranza, a reference to Venustiano Carranza, a key figure in the Mexican Revolution. This historical allusion serves to illustrate the arbitrary and often brutal nature of justice. The imagery of the clock ticking away the moments until the execution emphasizes the inexorable march of time and the inevitability of death. The song draws a parallel between the historical execution and the everyday judgments passed by those in power, who, like the small man who becomes a judge, wash their hands of responsibility after enforcing the law.

As the song progresses, it reflects on the passage of time in a broader sense, questioning how many hours make up a year or a six-year term, and how quickly those in power forget their duty to the people. The relentless ticking of the clock becomes a metaphor for the continuous and often unnoticed erosion of life and justice. The final lines suggest that the clock, with its endless ticking, will eventually break, symbolizing the hope that the cycle of injustice will one day come to an end. Through its powerful lyrics and historical references, “Al Filo Del Reloj” serves as a critique of social and political injustices, urging listeners to reflect on the passage of time and the impact of their actions.