Razones

Manu Chao's song 'Razones' delves into the relentless and often harsh realities of life. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the constant struggle and perseverance required to navigate through daily challenges. The repeated phrase 'Se fuerza la máquina de noche y de día' (The machine is forced day and night) underscores the idea of continuous effort and the unending grind that life demands. This metaphor of a machine being pushed to its limits reflects the physical and emotional toll that such a lifestyle can take on an individual.

The song also touches on themes of survival and resilience. Lines like 'Si la vida te da más de cinco razones para seguir' (If life gives you more than five reasons to keep going) and 'Si la vida te da más de cinco rincones para dormir' (If life gives you more than five corners to sleep) suggest that despite the hardships, there are still reasons to keep moving forward. However, the mention of 'más de 5 cabrones para aguantar' (more than five bastards to endure) and 'más de 5 lecciones para no seguir' (more than five lessons not to follow) highlights the obstacles and negative influences that one must contend with.

The character of 'calle' (street) personified in the lyrics represents those who live on the margins of society. 'Me llaman calle, calle baldosa, la revoltosa, bala perdida' (They call me street, tile street, the rebellious one, lost bullet) speaks to the identity and struggles of people who are often overlooked and undervalued. The street is a place of both survival and entrapment, where individuals must constantly fight to maintain their dignity and sense of self-worth. This portrayal is a powerful commentary on social inequality and the resilience of those who live through it.