Para Quién Canto Yo Entonces
Sui Generis
A Voice for the Voiceless: The Heartfelt Message of 'Para Quién Canto Yo Entonces'
Sui Generis, an iconic Argentine rock band, delivers a poignant and introspective message in their song 'Para Quién Canto Yo Entonces.' The lyrics delve into the existential question of the purpose of the artist's voice and who it truly serves. The song opens with a series of rhetorical questions, reflecting the artist's frustration and disillusionment. The singer wonders who he sings for if the humble people do not understand him, if his brothers are tired of hearing the same old words, and if those who are knowledgeable do not need his teachings. This sense of futility is further emphasized by the mention of a loved one who is yet to be born, symbolizing hope and potential that is still out of reach.
Despite these doubts, the artist finds solace and purpose in singing for 'esa gente'—the common people, the ones who write the stories that he sets to melody and verse. This connection to the everyday struggles and experiences of ordinary people is a recurring theme in Sui Generis' music, reflecting their commitment to social and political commentary. The artist acknowledges that while his audience may be silenced by external forces, his honesty and authenticity, represented by his guitar, remain unwavering.
The song takes a critical turn as it addresses those in power, specifically 'el que atrasa los relojes' and 'el señor del reloj de oro.' These figures symbolize the oppressive forces and the wealthy elite who are resistant to change and oblivious to the crumbling state of their own world. The censored part of the song reveals a stark truth: the artist sings to inform these powerful individuals that their own children do not love them, highlighting the generational divide and the consequences of their actions. Through this powerful narrative, Sui Generis underscores the importance of using one's voice to speak truth to power and to stand in solidarity with the marginalized.