Grito de Pilagá

Malón's song 'Grito de Pilagá' is a powerful lamentation that speaks to the deep wounds inflicted upon indigenous communities by colonization and modern exploitation. The lyrics poignantly express the pain of having their land, culture, and very essence stripped away. The opening lines, 'Fuimos de aqui los primeros, somos de aqui naturales,' establish the indigenous people's original and rightful connection to the land, which has been violently severed. The song's narrative is a cry against the theft of their sky, the destruction of their land, and the replacement of life with death.

The song's chorus, '¿Cómo volver atrás? ¿Cómo volver a empezar?' reflects a profound sense of loss and the seemingly insurmountable challenge of reclaiming what has been lost. The lyrics criticize the 'perros de corazón negro' and 'falsos dadores de nada,' who have buried their culture under the guise of progress. This so-called progress is depicted as increasingly distant and unattainable, highlighting the disillusionment and betrayal felt by the indigenous people. The imagery of exterminated trees and dried-up land serves as a stark metaphor for the environmental and cultural devastation wrought by colonizers and modern exploiters.

The song also touches on the hypocrisy of those who claim to champion human rights while ignoring the plight of indigenous communities. The lines 'se rasgan las vestiduras/por los derechos del hombre' underscore this irony, as the indigenous people are not even considered animals by those in power. The repeated imagery of once-green forests and clear rivers turned into deserts by the 'sabios' (wise men) further emphasizes the irreversible damage done. The song ends with a call for a change in direction, a demand to be free to love their history and to reclaim their identity and heritage. 'Grito de Pilagá' is not just a song; it is a powerful statement of resistance and a plea for justice and recognition.