Che Existencialista (part. Alberto Echagüe)

Juan D'arienzo's song 'Che Existencialista,' featuring Alberto Echagüe, is a poignant critique of modern masculinity and societal changes. The lyrics reflect a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era, where traditional values and clear gender roles were more prevalent. D'arienzo contrasts the rugged, legendary gauchos of the past with what he perceives as the effeminate and confused men of the present. The song's tone is one of frustration and disappointment, as the narrator laments the loss of what he considers true manliness.

The song employs vivid imagery and cultural references to drive its point home. The 'existentialist' men described in the lyrics are depicted with long, unkempt hair, mismatched clothing, and a disdain for cleanliness. This portrayal is meant to highlight their departure from traditional masculine norms. The narrator's advice to these men is blunt and direct: abandon their artistic pretensions, pick up a shovel, and engage in hard, honest work. This call to action underscores the narrator's belief in the value of labor and traditional masculinity.

D'arienzo's use of the term 'existentialist' is particularly interesting. Existentialism, a philosophical movement that emphasizes individual freedom and choice, is here used pejoratively to describe men who, in the narrator's view, have lost their way. The song suggests that these men are more concerned with their appearance and artistic expression than with the responsibilities and challenges of life. This critique is further emphasized by the nostalgic references to the past, where men would risk their lives for honor and love. The song ultimately questions the direction in which modern society is heading and calls for a return to traditional values and roles.