Dos Romeos

Andrés Calamaro's song "Dos Romeos" tells a surreal and tragic story of two conjoined twins, Barry and Tom, who become rock stars. The song begins by describing their humble beginnings in a cement house, emphasizing the importance of material possessions in their country. Despite their unusual condition, with a third head attached to them, they rise to fame as rock stars. The third head, however, is not connected to Barry and Tom in any meaningful way, symbolizing an unwanted burden or an external force that complicates their lives.

The narrative takes a dark turn when Barry and Tom undergo a separation surgery in a hotel room, performed by an unknown and possibly unscrupulous surgeon. The operation is a success, but it leaves them in a fragile state. The imagery of the maid stealing their belongings and the brothers lying almost dead in a hotel room adds a layer of grim reality to their fantastical story. Despite their separation, they continue to make music, and their band, Bang-Bang, achieves success with a song that reflects their unique bond and struggles.

The song's lyrics are rich with metaphors and cultural references. The mention of the sign of Gemini and the number 69 highlights their duality and interconnectedness. The tragic end, with one brother surviving with an artificial heart and the other not surviving the next operation, underscores the fragility of their existence. The final image of the three heads resting in a twisted position, with one eye looking at the morning sky, serves as a poignant reminder of their extraordinary yet tragic lives. Calamaro's storytelling, combined with his rock-influenced musical style, creates a haunting and memorable narrative that explores themes of identity, fame, and the human condition.