El Reino De Los Ciegos
Alejandro Filio
Unveiling the Kingdom of the Blind: A Critique of Modern Poets
Alejandro Filio's song "El Reino De Los Ciegos" is a sharp critique of contemporary poets and artists who, in his view, lack authenticity and depth. The lyrics begin by referencing false prophets, a metaphor for those who mislead the masses. Filio contrasts these figures with opportunistic poets who exploit the public's poor memory and shallow tastes. These 'poets' are depicted as populist charmers and superficial rhymers, who thrive in a culture that values trendiness and commercial success over genuine artistic expression.
Filio uses vivid imagery to describe these artists as 'bichos' (bugs) that grow like vines, entangling fashion, song, and money. This metaphor suggests that these artists are parasitic, feeding off the public's desire for the latest trends and intellectualizing their work to appeal to a distinguished audience. He criticizes the superficiality of their appeal, which caters to teenage tastes and compulsive buyers, rather than offering meaningful or challenging content.
The song also addresses the complicity of those who choose to ignore this issue, either because it benefits them or because they prefer to look the other way. Filio mentions 'el reino de los ciegos' (the kingdom of the blind) with its king, Arjona, a likely reference to the popular singer Ricardo Arjona, who is often criticized for his simplistic and commercial lyrics. Filio calls for a return to genuine artistry, citing Joan Manuel Serrat's song "El Sur También Existe" as an example of true poetic expression. He emphasizes that the true measure of artistic skill is not the approval of a mindless crowd but the depth and authenticity of the work itself.