¿Quién Asó La Manteca?

Andrés Calamaro's song '¿Quién Asó La Manteca?' is a vivid exploration of existential angst and societal disillusionment. The lyrics paint a picture of a world where the night is 'empañada' (foggy or misty), symbolizing confusion and uncertainty. The line 'Habrá que tapar el agujero' (We will have to cover the hole) suggests a need to fix or hide problems, hinting at a deeper sense of unresolved issues. The mention of a 'coche blanco' (white car) taking the day away and the anticipation of a new day reflects a cyclical nature of hope and despair, a recurring theme in the song.

Calamaro's lyrics delve into the monotony and repetitiveness of daily life, as seen in 'Hoy leí las noticias de hoy, eran iguales a las de ayer' (Today I read today's news, they were the same as yesterday's). This line underscores a sense of stagnation and the futility of expecting change. The metaphor of having 'tragado una bolsa de cemento' (swallowed a bag of cement) conveys a heavy, immobilizing feeling, perhaps representing emotional or psychological burdens. The recurring question '¿Quién asó la manteca?' (Who roasted the lard?) and the line 'Alguien me puso en venta' (Someone put me up for sale) suggest a search for accountability and a feeling of being commodified or exploited.

The imagery of a circus with only a 'león hambriento' (hungry lion) and the 'viejos tigres de bengala' (old Bengal tigers) being taken away by the wind evokes a sense of decay and loss. This could symbolize the fading of old values or the disappearance of once-powerful figures or ideals. The song's repeated refrain of '¿qué voy a hacer?' (What am I going to do?) highlights a struggle to find direction and purpose amidst the chaos. Calamaro's use of funk as a musical backdrop adds a layer of irony, as the genre's typically upbeat and rhythmic nature contrasts with the song's introspective and somber themes.