Among their greatest hits -after their Three Souls era- "Triste Cancion" (based on Neil Young's "Like a Hurricane"), "Metro Balderas" (originally by Rodrigo Gonzalez), and "Piedras Rodantes" are probably the most known and have the quality of Anthems. Favorite bluesy songs such as "Oye Cantinero" and "ADO" belong to their Three Souls era, but are included in compilations and newer versions (from live concert recordings) abound.
Que Viva el Rocanrol
El Tri Lyrics
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y tienes problemas por no tener cartilla,
olvidate de todo por un momento y que viva el rocanrol.
Si ya no quieres ver a tu nena ni en pintura,
pues tienes miedo de terminar en la jefatura
olvidate de todo por momento y viva el rocanrol.
no importa lo que te digan los demas
si a tu te gusta el rocanrol.
Si tienes ganas de volverte guerrillero
por que el sindicato se queda con tu dinero
olvidate de todo por un momento y que viva el rocanrol.
Si tienes ganas de comprarte ropa nueva
y no puedes hacer por falta de dinero
olvidate de todo por un momento y que viva el rocanrol.
The lyrics of El Tri's song Que Viva el Rocanrol encourage the listener to forget about their daily struggles, pressures, and worries and embrace the liberating power of rock and roll. The song speaks to a range of everyday problems that can weigh on a person's mind, from school issues and bureaucratic obstacles to romantic troubles and financial strains. The song suggests that rock and roll can provide a momentary escape from these problems and a way to channel one's frustrations into something positive and energetic.
The verses depict different scenarios where the listener might feel frustrated, helpless, or trapped, such as not having a required identity card, being afraid of authority, or feeling exploited by a union. In each case, the song tells the listener to "forget everything for a moment" and let rock and roll take over. The chorus reinforces this idea with the titular phrase "Que viva el rocanrol" ("Long live rock and roll"), which serves as a rallying cry and a symbol of rebellion and self-expression.
Overall, the lyrics of Que Viva el Rocanrol convey a sense of youthful exuberance, defiance, and optimism. The song celebrates the power of music to uplift people's spirits and give them a sense of belonging and purpose. It suggests that no matter how difficult one's circumstances may be, there is always a way to find joy and inspiration through rock and roll.
Line by Line Meaning
Si ya estas cansado de ir a la escuela,
If you're tired of going to school,
y tienes problemas por no tener cartilla,
and you have problems because you don't have documentation,
olvidate de todo por un momento y que viva el rocanrol.
forget everything for a moment and let rock and roll live.
Si ya no quieres ver a tu nena ni en pintura,
If you don't want to see your girl even in painting,
pues tienes miedo de terminar en la jefatura
because you're afraid of ending up in jail,
olvidate de todo por momento y viva el rocanrol.
forget everything for a moment and let rock and roll live.
Tienes que olvidarte de todos tus problemas
You have to forget about all your problems,
no importa lo que te digan los demas
no matter what others say,
si a tu te gusta el rocanrol.
if you like rock and roll.
Si tienes ganas de volverte guerrillero
If you feel like becoming a rebel,
por que el sindicato se queda con tu dinero
because the union takes your money,
olvidate de todo por un momento y que viva el rocanrol.
forget everything for a moment and let rock and roll live.
Si tienes ganas de comprarte ropa nueva
If you feel like buying new clothes,
y no puedes hacer por falta de dinero
and you can't do it because of lack of money,
olvidate de todo por un momento y que viva el rocanrol.
forget everything for a moment and let rock and roll live.
Contributed by Tristan M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.