Sólo Desde El Barrio

Once Tiros' song "Sólo Desde El Barrio" paints a vivid picture of life in a marginalized community, capturing the essence of struggle, resilience, and the raw reality of everyday existence. The lyrics open with a depiction of a life at a crossroads, where winter nights lack warmth and hypocrisy rides a black horse stolen from a loveless world. This imagery sets the tone for a narrative steeped in hardship and the search for meaning amidst adversity.

The song's chorus emphasizes the power of collective voice and expression. It suggests that true liberation and solace are found in the act of singing and laughing, even if only for a moment. The line "Canta en la noche, y tiemblan los de arriba" (Sing in the night, and those above tremble) highlights the subversive power of joy and unity in the face of oppression. The song acknowledges the hidden pain carried by the community, but also celebrates the strength found in their shared experiences and cultural expressions.

The imagery of a carnival without its usual trappings—escobilleros without brooms, an old woman without an umbrella, and a carnival without paint or sequins—serves as a metaphor for the stripped-down reality of life in the barrio. Despite the lack of material embellishments, the spirit of the carnival, and by extension the community, remains vibrant and unbroken. The song's refrain, "Sólo desde el barrio," underscores the idea that true beauty and resilience come from within the community itself, even when external circumstances are bleak.

Once Tiros, known for their fusion of rock, reggae, and ska, often address social and political issues in their music. "Sólo Desde El Barrio" is a testament to their commitment to giving voice to the voiceless and shining a light on the realities of life in the barrios of Latin America.