Cuántas Veces Al Día

Silvio Rodriguez's song 'Cuántas Veces Al Día' delves deep into the moral and ethical implications of silence in the face of injustice. The lyrics pose a series of poignant questions about the role of silence in perpetuating harm and injustice. Rodriguez challenges the listener to consider how often their silence contributes to the suffering of others, suggesting that this inaction makes us complicit in the wrongdoings around us. The repetition of the question '¿Cuántas veces al día merecemos la muerte?' serves as a stark reminder of the gravity of our passive complicity.

The song's introspective nature is further emphasized by the direct address to the listener. Rodriguez insists that the responsibility does not lie with others but with each individual. The lines 'No busquen más alrededor. Ustedes son, no busquen más' drive home the point that we must look within ourselves to find the source of the problem. This self-reflection is uncomfortable but necessary, as it forces us to confront our own roles in the perpetuation of silence and, by extension, injustice.

Rodriguez also explores the different types of silence and their consequences. He distinguishes between the silence that preserves life and the silence that leads to death, both metaphorically and literally. The 'silencio aprendido' that preserves life contrasts sharply with the 'silencio asesino' that fills our bellies but at the cost of our moral integrity. This dichotomy highlights the complex nature of silence and the fine line between prudence and complicity. Through this exploration, Rodriguez calls for a more active and vocal stance against injustice, urging us to break the silence that harms and to speak out for what is right.