El Leon

The song "El Leon" by Resistencia Suburbana is a poignant commentary on societal division and the consequences of succumbing to fear and hatred. The lyrics narrate the experience of waking up, going through a morning routine, and then stepping out into the world with a sense of gratitude and openness, greeting everyone encountered on the street. The varied reactions from others, ranging from surprise and fear to outright ignoring the narrator, serve as a reflection of the social barriers that exist among people.

The chorus of the song draws from the wise words of Argentine folk singer José Larralde, using the metaphor of a lion's mane to symbolize pride and strength. The repeated line "El leon no tendria melena si se dejara esquilar" translates to "The lion would not have a mane if it allowed itself to be sheared." This serves as a powerful metaphor for maintaining one's integrity and resisting oppression. The song suggests that just as a lion would lose its defining feature if it were to be sheared like a sheep, people lose their individuality and strength when they allow themselves to be divided by fear and hatred.

The encounter with the police is particularly telling, as the narrator's friendly greeting is met with suspicion, likening the situation to a cat walking past a bulldog's kennel. This imagery reinforces the theme of division and the societal roles that people are expected to play. The song ultimately calls for unity and resistance against being metaphorically 'sheared' by those in power, urging listeners to maintain their dignity and stand together like lions, rather than being divided and subjugated like sheep or cattle.