To Beef Or Not To Beef

Indio Solari's song 'To Beef Or Not To Beef' is a narrative of personal journey and the pursuit of a better life, albeit with a sense of irony and cultural critique. The title itself is a play on Shakespeare's famous soliloquy 'To be or not to be' from Hamlet, suggesting a dilemma, but in this case, it's about the decision to pursue material wealth ('beef' being a slang term for money or substance). The lyrics describe the protagonist's departure from a life that was no longer satisfying ('Mi vida aqui no daba más') to seek fortune in 'gringolandia,' a colloquial term for the United States used in some Latin American countries.

The song's narrative continues with the protagonist's experiences and observations upon arriving in the United States. The mention of 'frititos' and 'aire acondicionado' reflects the allure of American consumerism and comfort. However, the journey is not without its challenges, as the lyrics reference the dangers of crossing the border ('Con fiebre y con miedo también, el río brava'), a likely allusion to the Rio Grande, and the cultural shock of encountering a different society with its own issues ('leen el evangelio según hitler a la hora de almorzar!'), which suggests a critique of certain ideological extremes present in the U.S.

Indio Solari, an Argentine musician and former leader of the band Los Redondos, is known for his poetic lyrics and social commentary. In 'To Beef Or Not To Beef,' he uses vivid imagery and cultural references to paint a picture of the immigrant experience, the search for prosperity, and the disillusionment that can come with it. The song is a reflection on identity, displacement, and the complex realities of the American Dream, all while maintaining a personal connection to the homeland ('Y yo allí! pensando en vos siempre... siempre extrañándote').