El Patrón

Tabare Etcheverry's song 'El Patrón' paints a vivid picture of a wealthy landowner, often referred to as 'the boss' or 'the patron,' who exerts control over vast lands and resources. The lyrics describe the patron's opulent lifestyle, marked by luxurious possessions such as silver and gold tack, finely braided lassos, and well-fed horses that rarely work. This imagery highlights the stark contrast between the patron's wealth and the laborers' hardships, emphasizing the social and economic divide.

The song delves deeper into the patron's character, portraying him as someone who enjoys the facade of being a rugged cowboy. He wears a short-brimmed hat, carries a whip instead of a traditional rebenque, and dons military spurs. Despite his attempts to appear as a man of the land, he remains an outsider even on his own property, with a face untouched by the sun and hands unmarked by labor. This duality underscores the patron's superficial connection to the land and the people who work it.

Etcheverry also critiques the patron's paternalistic attitude towards his workers. The patron preaches values and ensures religious practices are followed, placing religious symbols around the estate. However, this paternalism is a facade, as he pays his workers poorly while acting as a godfather to their children. This hypocrisy reveals the patron's true nature, using religion and superficial kindness to maintain control and justify his exploitation of the laborers. Through 'El Patrón,' Etcheverry exposes the illusion of power and benevolence, shedding light on the underlying social injustices and the exploitation inherent in such hierarchical relationships.