Es Un Crimen

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a stark picture of systemic failure, where every major institution is implicated in the nation's downfall. The opening verse directly names the ruling party, the opposition, business leaders, and labor unions as contributors to the collective "fracaso" (failure). This broad accusation sets a tone of widespread disillusionment, suggesting that the very structures meant to govern and support the country are instead responsible for its problems. The repeated, emphatic declaration "Es un crimen" (It's a crime) acts as a powerful refrain, framing this widespread failure not just as incompetence, but as a deliberate, punishable offense. The central tension lies between the promises made by those in power and the grim reality experienced by the populace. The lyrics describe leaders on their "poltronas" (armchairs/seats of power) offering solutions, yet the outcome is "paro, miseria, humillación" (unemployment, misery, humiliation). This direct contrast highlights a profound disconnect between the elite and the people, where the former's pronouncements lead only to further suffering. The line "Solo una casualidad / Podrá desatar una reacción" (Only a coincidence / Will be able to unleash a reaction) underscores a sense of hopelessness, implying that even a significant event might not be enough to spur meaningful change. The most striking element is the raw, almost visceral accusation embedded in the bridge: "¿Cuánto plomo malgastao'? / En cuerpos innecesarios" (How much lead wasted? / On unnecessary bodies). This graphic imagery, juxtaposed with the repeated "Es un crimen," powerfully suggests violence and loss of life as a direct consequence of the systemic failures. The phrase "plomo malgastao" (wasted lead) implies that lives have been pointlessly extinguished, likely through conflict or state-sanctioned violence, adding a layer of tragic consequence to the broader theme of political and economic collapse. The relentless repetition of "Es un crimen" throughout the song amplifies the sense of outrage and despair, hammering home the severity of the perceived betrayal. Ultimately, the effectiveness of these lyrics stems from their directness and unflinching indictment. By naming specific groups and contrasting their promises with harsh realities, the song creates a potent sense of shared grievance. The visceral imagery of wasted lives, coupled with the insistent, accusatory refrain, transforms a political critique into an emotional outcry against a system that appears to have failed its people catastrophically.