Al buen Pedro

Pablo Milanés' song 'Al buen Pedro' is a poignant critique of social inequality and hypocrisy. The lyrics are a direct address to a character named Pedro, who represents the privileged class. Milanés uses vivid imagery and metaphors to contrast Pedro's indulgent lifestyle with the speaker's austere existence. While Pedro revels in luxury, enjoying fine wines and the company of women, the speaker is left to struggle alone, contemplating the plight of the oppressed and the injustices they face.

The song's narrative is rich with symbolism. The 'crisp waves' of hair behind the speaker's ears could symbolize natural beauty and authenticity, in stark contrast to Pedro's artificial and decadent world. The 'sweat of your slaves' turned into gold highlights the exploitation and dehumanization inherent in Pedro's wealth. This stark imagery serves to underscore the moral decay and corruption of those who live off the labor of others without a second thought.

Milanés' choice of words like 'febrile,' 'pale,' and 'grave' to describe the speaker's state of mind adds a layer of urgency and desperation to the song. The speaker's solitary meal and the plea to the 'deaf air' for liberation reflect a deep sense of isolation and hopelessness. Yet, there is also a call to action, a desire to free the servant from misfortune and to expose Pedro's infamy. This duality of despair and defiance makes 'Al buen Pedro' a powerful commentary on social justice and the human spirit's resilience in the face of oppression.