Si Se Calla El Cantor (part. Horacio Guarany)

The song "Si Se Calla El Cantor" by Mercedes Sosa, featuring Horacio Guarany, is a powerful anthem that speaks to the importance of the singer's voice as a tool for social change and justice. The lyrics poetically assert that when a singer is silenced, life itself is diminished, as the act of singing is equated with the very essence of life. The song suggests that the singer's voice is a beacon of hope, light, and joy, and without it, these elements are lost to fear and darkness.

Mercedes Sosa, known for her deep involvement in social issues and her role as a voice for the oppressed, uses the metaphor of the silenced singer to represent the suppression of the marginalized and the working class. The song calls attention to the plight of the humble and the workers, urging that the singer must raise their voice in public forums to advocate for those who suffer and lack representation. The lyrics emphasize that the singer's role is to illuminate the struggles of the less fortunate and to fight against the injustices that keep them in the shadows.

The song culminates in a call to action, urging singers not to succumb to silence in the face of evil. It encourages the raising of all banners when the singer stands up with their cry, and for guitars to bleed into the night with an immortal song that reaches into infinity. The message is clear: the singer's voice is a powerful instrument against oppression, and it must not be stifled, for it carries the potential to inspire change and bring life to the fight for justice and equality.