The Meaning Behind The Song: El Arruinao by Gildardo Montoya

To truly understand the meaning behind a song, we need to dive deep into its lyrics and unravel the emotions and experiences embedded within. One such song that beautifully captures the struggle and hardships of everyday life is “El Arruinao” by Gildardo Montoya. Released in 1978, this song has become a timeless classic in the Latin music scene, resonating with listeners across generations.

Let’s explore the meaning of the song by examining its lyrics:

[Intro]
Casi que estoy pobre, ¿no?
¿Quién dijo?
Medio arruina’o

The song immediately sets the tone with a sense of desperation and poverty. The phrase “casi que estoy pobre,” meaning “I’m almost poor,” conveys the artist’s struggle to make ends meet. The use of the term “medio arruina’o” further emphasizes the challenging circumstances faced by the protagonist.

[Verso 1]
Si hubieran huevos le fritaba uno, pero, ¿cómo hago si no hay manteca?
Si hubiera quesito le daba un pedazo, pero, ¿pa’ qué si es que no hay arepa?
Si hubiera limón le hacía limonada, pero no puedo, no hay ni agüita
Si tuviera arroz le daría almuerzo, pero no hay plato ni cucharita (Normalito el hombre)
Si hubieran plátanos le asaba uno, pero de malas, no hay parrilla
Si hubieran buñuelos también le daría, pero, ¿pa’ qué si no hay natilla?
Si hubiera olla le hacía aguadulce, pero, ¿yo qué hago si no hay panela?
Si hubiera fogón le fritaba carne, pero disculpe, no hay cazuela

In this verse, the artist paints a vivid picture of the scarcity and lack of resources in his life. He mentions various food items and how he would prepare them if they were available. However, the absence of necessary ingredients and kitchen essentials mirrors the artist’s struggle to provide for himself and his family.

[Coro]
Ah, bueno de eso pa’ comer con esto
Como es de bueno esto con eso
Si hubiera de eso yo comía con de esto
Pero no hay de eso pa’ comer con d’esto
Ah, bueno de eso pa’ comer con esto
Como es de bueno esto con eso
Si hubiera de eso yo comía con de esto
Pero no hay de eso pa’ comer con d’esto (¿Cómo así?)

The chorus encapsulates the overarching theme of the song. The lyrics highlight the artist’s yearning for the basic necessities of life. The phrase “bueno de eso pa’ comer con esto” emphasizes the desire to have enough of one thing to be able to enjoy it with another. However, the repetition of “pero no hay de eso” serves as a reminder of the constant struggle and lack that the artist faces.

The lyrics of “El Arruinao” are relatable to many who have experienced financial hardships or know someone who has. The song exposes the stark reality of poverty and the challenges it brings to everyday life.

Personally, “El Arruinao” holds a special place in my heart as it mirrors the struggles my own family has faced. Growing up, there were many times when we didn’t have enough to eat or couldn’t afford basic necessities. Listening to this song brings back those memories and reminds me of the strength and resilience my family exhibited during those difficult times.

In conclusion, “El Arruinao” by Gildardo Montoya is a powerful song that sheds light on the hardships faced by individuals living in poverty. Through its poignant lyrics, it effectively conveys the constant struggle for basic necessities and the yearning for a better life. This timeless classic serves as a reminder to appreciate what we have and empathize with those facing economic hardships.