Muevan Las Industrias

The song 'Muevan Las Industrias' by the Chilean rock band Los Prisioneros is a poignant commentary on the socio-economic conditions of their homeland during the 1980s. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of industrial stagnation and the plight of the working class. The opening lines describe factories shrouded in fog and rust, metaphorically suggesting a state of neglect and decay. This imagery sets the tone for a song that is both a call to action and a lament for the past.

The chorus, 'Las industrias, muevan las industrias,' which translates to 'The industries, move the industries,' is a direct appeal to restart the engines of production and, by extension, the economy. The song reflects the period of economic hardship in Chile, where factories closed and workers were laid off. The band captures the sense of loss and desperation felt by the workers who 'did not leave but hid,' remaining in the city as a reminder of the industrial collapse.

The personal connection to the industrial soundscape is highlighted when the narrator recalls the metallic noises from the schoolyard, which once dictated the rhythm of their hearts. This nostalgia is contrasted with the harsh reality of the present, where the narrator must sneak around, almost invisible, in a world that has discarded the workers. 'Muevan Las Industrias' is not just a protest song but also a narrative of resilience and the enduring spirit of those affected by economic turmoil.