The song "La Turba" (Night Rally) is a collaboration between Elvis Costello & The Attractions and Jorge Drexler. It was originally released by Elvis Costello in 1978 on his album "This Year's Model" and later covered by Jorge Drexler in 2012. The lyrics depict a dystopian society where the phone lines are tapped and the sky is dominated by the logo of a powerful company. The protagonist is aware of the oppressive actions taken by those in control but chooses to turn a blind eye to avoid confronting the truth. The term "la turba" refers to a crowd or mob, implying a sense of collective conformity and blind participation. The song expresses a sense of disillusionment and critique towards the societal norms and systems that govern people's lives. It portrays a world where people are manipulated, symbolized by the reference to clowns and their absurd ideas. However, despite the sinister undertones, there is a certain element of rebellion and resistance hinted at in the lyrics. The chorus highlights the power of unity and collective singing. It speaks of people singing with their hands on their chests, paying homage to the heroes of a hidden struggle. The melody suggested is one that easily gets stuck in one's head and can be sung even while taking a shower. In the later verses, the lyrics mention the protagonist's ingratitude despite having food on their plate and not buying into the commercialized souvenirs. It suggests that while others may shout and scream, they should open the window and let the metaphorical bird, representing freedom and individuality, fly away. The song also touches on the materialistic nature of society, mentioning the characters wearing 3D glasses, caps, and wristbands, going out at night to compare their toys. This can be seen as a criticism of consumerism and the shallow priorities of the world portrayed in the song. Overall, "La Turba" critiques a society controlled by powerful entities, highlighting the conformity, manipulation, and disillusionment that can exist. It encourages individuality, resistance, and the pursuit of personal freedom in the face of oppressive systems.
