Sueldos

The song 'Sueldos' by UPA delves into the theme of economic control and the illusion of freedom that money creates. The repetitive chorus, 'Que locura ver, te manejan con un sueldo,' translates to 'What madness to see, they control you with a salary,' emphasizing the central idea that people are manipulated through their financial dependence. This manipulation is not through overt violence or force, but through the subtle and pervasive power of money, which dictates their actions and limits their freedom.

The lyrics highlight the disparity between the illusion of freedom and the reality of economic control. Lines like 'Te manejan con dinero, no con balas de cañón' ('They control you with money, not with cannonballs') and 'Cierran un poco la llave y se acabó la expresión' ('They close the tap a little and expression is over') suggest that financial constraints stifle personal expression and autonomy. The song critiques how society is structured to keep people in a state of dependency, where even a slight reduction in financial resources can silence their voices and limit their choices.

Furthermore, the song touches on the superficial solutions and false hopes that are offered to maintain this control. Phrases like 'Queda alguna fantasía, para poder sonreír' ('There remains some fantasy, to be able to smile') and 'Queda alguna hipocresía para salir del paso' ('There remains some hypocrisy to get by') indicate that people cling to small illusions and hypocrisies to cope with their lack of true freedom. The song ultimately portrays a bleak picture of a society where money dictates reality, and the promise of freedom is nothing more than an illusion.