The vicissitudes of a musician fresh from prison that seeks to resume playing music with his band, the Chevrolés, whose members are scattered around the city, earning a living wage through various activities.

An 11-year-old street boy, Obdulio, who sells newspapers for a living but cannot read or write, finds a magical "Maestro" in the night watchman of the newspaper's office. Obdulio's charismatic mentor not only introduces him to the world of literacy but also teaches him the real meaning of life through the lyrics of the "Murgas" [Carnival Pierrots] during the magical nights of the irreverent and provocative Uruguayan Carnival.

Through the memories and confessions of some of the most important names in Uruguayan music, the film brings back to life the stories of the songs that defined a country and that, in some cases, helped change history.