Tabaré, That`s Right

El Cuarteto de Nos, a renowned Uruguayan rock band known for their satirical and humorous lyrics, presents a biting critique of national identity and historical narratives in their song "Tabaré, That's Right." The song is a playful yet incisive commentary on the character Tabaré, a figure from Uruguayan literature created by Juan Zorrilla de San Martín. The lyrics are delivered in a mock-seminar format, where the speaker humorously dissects the story of Tabaré, a mestizo (mixed-race) character who struggles with his identity and societal expectations.

The song opens with the speaker recalling how they were made to recite the story of Tabaré as a child, dressed in stereotypical and demeaning attire. This sets the tone for the song's critique of how indigenous and mixed-race identities are often portrayed in a reductive and offensive manner. The repeated refrain, "Tabaré ye ye ye, el indio trolo ataca otra vez," uses humor to highlight the absurdity and contradictions in the character's portrayal, suggesting that if Tabaré is considered an 'Indian,' then the speaker is as iconic as Carlos Gardel, a legendary figure in tango music.

The lyrics delve into Tabaré's personal struggles, including his Oedipal complex and his infatuation with a Spanish woman who resembles his mother. This relationship is used to critique the internalized racism and the preference for whiteness that Tabaré exhibits. The song also mocks the notion of 'charrúa spirit,' a term often used to describe Uruguayan resilience, by suggesting that it is nothing more than a myth. The song concludes with a sarcastic eulogy for Zorrilla de San Martín, the author of the original Tabaré story, implying that his work is outdated and irrelevant.

Through its clever use of satire and humor, "Tabaré, That's Right" challenges listeners to reconsider the narratives they have been taught and to question the portrayal of indigenous and mixed-race identities in Uruguayan culture. The song serves as a reminder of the power of music and satire to provoke thought and inspire change.