Diablo Estás?

María Elena Walsh's song 'Diablo Estás?' is a sharp and satirical critique of societal hypocrisy and the various roles people play in perpetuating injustice and inequality. The recurring line 'Juguemos en el mundo mientras el diablo no está' (Let's play in the world while the devil is not here) sets the stage for a world where people engage in morally questionable actions under the guise of innocence or righteousness. The song's structure, with its repetitive questioning of the devil's presence, suggests a world where evil deeds are carried out in plain sight, yet no one takes responsibility.

Each verse of the song introduces a different character, each embodying a facet of societal corruption. The 'cartuchera' and 'casaca militar' (military gear) symbolize the glorification of violence and war, while the 'guantes blancos' and 'levitón ministerial' (white gloves and ministerial coat) represent political corruption and the maintenance of the status quo. The character who 'invento pobres y enfermos' (invents the poor and sick) only to 'regalo el hospital' (give away the hospital) highlights the performative nature of charity that addresses symptoms rather than causes.

Walsh's use of vivid imagery and irony is particularly striking in the verse about counting 'monedas de oro, billetes nuevos' (gold coins, new bills) and 'cheques que nadie cobrará' (checks that no one will cash), which critiques the greed and financial manipulation prevalent in society. The final verses, with references to 'la armadura' (armor) for a 'congreso de la paz' (peace congress) and the morbid fascination with 'pornografía' (pornography), underscore the contradictions and moral decay hidden behind respectable facades. Through 'Diablo Estás?', Walsh invites listeners to reflect on the pervasive and often unacknowledged presence of 'the devil' in everyday actions and societal structures.