Coplas de Baguala

Quilapayún's song 'Coplas de Baguala' is a powerful and evocative piece that delves into themes of social injustice, inequality, and the struggle for a better life. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the hardships faced by the working class, juxtaposed with the carefree moments of drunkenness that offer a temporary escape from their harsh realities. The opening lines highlight this contrast, where the protagonist finds solace in alcohol, momentarily forgetting their troubles and even seeing their oppressor, the patrón, as a friend.

The song then shifts to a more direct critique of the systemic exploitation faced by the workers. The lines 'Si no protesto me explotan / y si protesto voy preso' encapsulate the catch-22 situation of the oppressed: if they remain silent, they are exploited; if they speak out, they are imprisoned. This stark reality is further emphasized by the metaphor of 'la caja' (the coffin) for the poor and 'el queso' (the cheese) for the rich, illustrating the vast disparity between the two classes.

As the song progresses, it calls for revolution and change. The imagery of the rising sun and the call to arms with 'la lanza y con el grito' signifies the dawn of a new era and the fight for equality. The final verses underscore the pervasive exploitation across different sectors, from factory workers to farmhands, and the unyielding greed of the few who have much while many lack basic necessities. The closing lines, 'Por la razón o la lanza / ¡que tengan todos igual!' serve as a rallying cry for justice and equality, advocating for a society where everyone has equal access to resources, whether through reasoned discourse or forceful action.