Pero Al Cuarto No

Chicho Sánchez Ferlosio's song "Pero Al Cuarto No" is a poignant critique of political power dynamics and the erosion of democratic principles. The repetitive refrain, "Pero al cuarto no," underscores the central theme: the failure to establish a fourth power that could ensure true democracy. The lyrics suggest that while the second power (executive) silences the first (legislative) and binds the third (judicial), the fourth power, which could be interpreted as the media or public opinion, remains unestablished or ineffective.

The song references the classic principle of the separation of powers, a cornerstone of democratic governance. Ferlosio laments that in his homeland, this principle has been violated. The merging of the three traditional powers into one monolithic entity leads to a loss of checks and balances, resulting in a system where no true democracy can thrive. This critique is particularly resonant in contexts where authoritarian tendencies undermine democratic institutions.

Ferlosio's lyrics also express a deep sense of disillusionment with the current state of democracy. He searches for freedom in newspapers and radios, wary of the influence of television, which he perceives as a tool of authority. The repetition of historical patterns of power consolidation and the suppression of dissent highlight his skepticism about achieving the democratic ideals he once dreamed of. The song is a powerful reminder of the importance of maintaining a vigilant and independent fourth power to safeguard democracy.