Precariado is a fascinating and relatively new term in Spanish, derived from "precario" (precarious) and "proletariado" (proletariat). It refers to a social class of people experiencing precarity, meaning their lives and livelihoods are insecure and unstable.
In "La Llamada," Ismael Serrano uses this word to highlight the struggles of those living with economic insecurity. He sings, "Que el precariado se haga visible" (May the precariat become visible), urging recognition and action for this vulnerable group. It's a powerful and politically charged word that reflects contemporary social issues.
In La Llamada, Spanish singer-songwriter Ismael Serrano paints a cinematic portrait of today’s working class heroes: the jobless construction worker crunching sunflower seeds on a park bench, the supermarket cashier who never stops moving, the seamstress patching trousers until midnight, and the suit-wearing father queuing at a food bank. Through these vivid snapshots, the song captures the frustration of a generation promised golden summers but handed precarious contracts, unemployment lines, and unpaid bills.
Yet Serrano’s message is anything but defeatist. The chorus is a rallying cry—an invitation to answer “the call,” step into the streets, and let shared sorrow spark collective action. By celebrating small acts of resilience and insisting that "fear must switch sides," the song transforms everyday struggle into a beacon of hope. It reminds listeners that when joy is protected and sadness is shared, it can ignite the powerful drive to change lives and build a fairer world.