De Este Lado

Traviezoz De La Zierra's song "De Este Lado" paints a vivid and raw picture of the struggles faced by immigrants, particularly those who cross the border into the United States in search of a better life. The lyrics delve into the harsh realities that many immigrants encounter, shattering the idealized vision of the American Dream. The song begins by highlighting the heavy burden of life on this side of the border, where survival is a daily challenge. The line "Si no trabajas no comes" (If you don't work, you don't eat) underscores the relentless grind and the necessity of labor just to get by.

The song also touches on the exploitation and discrimination that immigrants often face. The phrase "Se aprovechan de nosotros porque andamos de mojarras" (They take advantage of us because we are immigrants) speaks to the vulnerability and lack of rights that many undocumented workers experience. The narrative of paying a coyote to cross the border and the subsequent hardships, including evading immigration authorities, paints a grim picture of the journey and the constant fear of deportation.

Furthermore, the song dispels the myth of easy money and success in the U.S. The lyrics reflect on the disillusionment that comes with realizing that the streets are not paved with gold, and that life can be just as, if not more, challenging than it was back home. The mention of being treated like a criminal by immigration authorities and the discrimination faced adds another layer of hardship. The song is a poignant commentary on the immigrant experience, highlighting the sacrifices, struggles, and often unfulfilled promises of a better life on the other side of the border.