Veneno

Andrés Calamaro's song 'Veneno' delves into the complex relationship between pleasure and pain, using the metaphor of 'veneno' (poison) to explore the highs and lows of substance use. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the euphoria and subsequent suffering that come with addiction. Calamaro begins by describing the initial allure of the 'veneno,' which brings a sense of joy and inspiration, making him and his friends feel invincible, like 'Superman' or even 'Satan.' This duality sets the stage for the rest of the song, where the poison is both a source of pleasure and a harbinger of pain.

The song's narrative shifts to the darker side of this 'veneno,' highlighting the inevitable downfall that follows the initial high. Calamaro speaks of the 'good malvivir' (good bad-living), a paradox that captures the essence of addiction. The poison, once a source of freedom and exhilaration, becomes a cruel master, demanding 'piedad' (mercy) as it takes its toll. The lyrics poignantly describe the physical and emotional suffering that accompanies addiction, from the pain in his teeth and hair to the deeper, more existential agony of being a 'slave' to the poison.

Calamaro's use of religious imagery, such as comparing himself to 'Cristo que eligió su propio clavo' (Christ who chose his own nail), adds another layer of complexity to the song. This metaphor suggests a self-inflicted martyrdom, where the poison becomes both a cross to bear and a source of fleeting transcendence. The song concludes with a bittersweet farewell to the 'veneno,' acknowledging its role in both his suffering and his moments of celestial and musical ecstasy. Through 'Veneno,' Calamaro masterfully captures the cyclical nature of addiction, where the line between pleasure and pain is perpetually blurred.