Canción Del Oro

Victor Manuel's 'Canción Del Oro' is a poignant critique of the societal obsession with gold and wealth. The song's lyrics paint a vivid picture of various societal groups, from the downtrodden to the affluent, all united in their reverence for gold. By listing 'miserables y beodos, prostitutas y mendigos' alongside 'ricos, pobre, embusteros,' Manuel highlights the universal allure of wealth, transcending social and economic boundaries. This chorus of voices singing to gold underscores the pervasive influence of money in every stratum of society.

The song delves deeper into the symbolic power of gold, describing it as the 'padre del pan y madre de la cultura,' suggesting that wealth is both a provider and a shaper of civilization. However, this duality is fraught with irony. Gold is depicted as a treasure for pirates, adorned with 'gemelos y corbata,' indicating that both criminals and the elite are equally driven by greed. The imagery of gold making the sun shine in crowns further emphasizes its role in bestowing power and prestige, yet it also 'tapa bocas' and 'rompe manos que amenazan,' revealing its capacity to silence dissent and crush opposition.

Manuel's lyrics also critique the banking system, where gold is 'disfrazado de papel,' turning into currency that can buy souls and sanctify corruption. The line 'pone incienso en el burdel' starkly illustrates how wealth can mask immorality and perpetuate vice. The song concludes with a powerful image of well-fed pigs being fed again, symbolizing the endless cycle of greed and consumption. Through 'Canción Del Oro,' Victor Manuel offers a scathing commentary on the corrupting influence of wealth and the moral decay it engenders in society.