Comida China
Andrés Calamaro
The Melancholic Routine of Life in 'Comida China'
In 'Comida China,' Andrés Calamaro paints a vivid picture of the monotony and melancholy that can pervade everyday life. The song opens with the protagonist observing the sunset, a moment that symbolizes the end of another uneventful day. This recurring scene of watching the sun go down sets the tone for the song, emphasizing a sense of stagnation and the repetitive nature of his days. The mention of a 'normal Sunday with newspapers' further underscores the mundane routine that the protagonist finds himself trapped in.
Calamaro introduces a layer of complexity with the line 'No conectaba con tanta comida china,' which translates to 'I didn't connect with so much Chinese food.' This metaphor could signify a sense of disconnection or alienation from his surroundings or the people in his life. The reference to 'mística química con Ketalar,' a dissociative anesthetic, adds a surreal and almost escapist dimension to the narrative. It suggests that the protagonist might be seeking solace or a temporary escape from his monotonous reality through substances, highlighting a deeper sense of dissatisfaction and yearning for something more meaningful.
The repetition of the phrase 'Y sin saber porqué me quedo viendo el sol caer' ('And without knowing why, I stay watching the sun set') throughout the song reinforces the theme of existential contemplation. The protagonist seems to be caught in a cycle of introspection and resignation, unable to break free from the repetitive and colorless days. This song captures the essence of feeling stuck in a rut, where each day blends into the next, and the search for meaning or connection remains elusive.