Milonga Cañera

Alfredo Zitarrosa's song "Milonga Cañera" is a powerful anthem that captures the spirit of the working class, particularly the sugarcane workers (cañeros) in Uruguay. The song is sung from the perspective of a laborer who has traveled from Bella Unión, a region known for its sugarcane production, to join a larger movement. The protagonist proudly identifies as a 'peludo,' a term used for sugarcane workers, and emphasizes his role in instilling fear in the oppressive landowners (patrón). This sets the tone for a narrative of resistance and solidarity among the working class.

The lyrics mention Raúl Sendic and the UTAA (Unión de Trabajadores Azucareros de Artigas), highlighting the historical context of labor movements in Uruguay. Sendic was a prominent socialist leader who advocated for the rights of rural workers, and the UTAA was a key organization in the struggle for better working conditions. By chanting