Bajo El Azote Del Sol

Mercedes Sosa's song "Bajo El Azote Del Sol" paints a vivid and poignant picture of the harsh realities faced by rural workers under the relentless sun. The lyrics describe a summer that bleeds, symbolizing the intense suffering and hardship endured by the people. The imagery of the afternoon punishing the sadness of the ranches further emphasizes the oppressive environment in which these individuals live and work.

The song continues to depict a man lying under a cebil tree, likened to a skinny dog, struggling to survive in a desolate landscape. This metaphor highlights the dehumanizing conditions and the sense of hopelessness that pervades their existence. The reference to the "rumbo de caranchos" (path of vultures) suggests a grim fate awaiting those who toil in such dire circumstances.

Sosa also touches on the social and economic struggles of the community. The mention of the "humito" (smoke) that people produce, akin to a covered fire in a charcoal oven, symbolizes the suppressed potential and stifled lives of the workers. The moon sleeping early by the Salí River and the bitter dreams of the cane workers reflect the exhaustion and despair that accompany their nightly rest. The closing lines, with the moon of the "olla popular" (communal pot) and the closed sugar mills, underscore the economic hardships and the transformation of Tucumán into a place of struggle and resilience.

Through her powerful lyrics, Mercedes Sosa not only captures the physical and emotional toll of labor under the sun but also sheds light on the broader social and economic issues affecting rural communities in Argentina.