Tijeras
Arde Bogotá
Cutting Through the Chains: A Rebellion Against Modern Work Culture
Arde Bogotá's song 'Tijeras' is a powerful anthem of rebellion against the constraints and disillusionments of modern work culture. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of two individuals who are fed up with the exploitative nature of their jobs and the superficiality of societal expectations. The opening lines, 'Y si nos van a despedir a los dos / ¿Para qué aguantarnos? ¿para qué aguantarnos?' (And if they are going to fire both of us / Why should we endure it? Why should we endure it?), set the tone for a narrative of defiance and liberation. The song questions the purpose of enduring a system that is designed to exploit and discard its workers.
The recurring metaphor of 'tijeras' (scissors) symbolizes the act of cutting ties with the oppressive work environment. The lines 'Trae tus tijeras nuevas y afílalas, y afílalas / Junto a mí' (Bring your new scissors and sharpen them, and sharpen them / Next to me) suggest a call to arms, encouraging listeners to prepare for a radical change. The imagery of 'Blazers' and 'corbata en mano' (Blazers and tie in hand) juxtaposed with 'tacones' and 'botas de guerra' (heels and combat boots) highlights the contrast between conforming to societal norms and embracing a more rebellious, authentic self.
The song also touches on the broader theme of existential dissatisfaction, as seen in the lines 'Si nuestra vida laboral es un timo / ¿Por qué no lo decimos?' (If our work life is a scam / Why don't we say it?). This sentiment is further amplified by the declaration 'Hoy dimitimos y no hay contraoferta / Reventaremos la oficina en la puerta' (Today we resign and there is no counteroffer / We will blow up the office at the door), which signifies a complete rejection of the status quo. 'Tijeras' is not just a song; it's a rallying cry for those who feel trapped in the monotonous grind of modern life, urging them to take bold steps towards freedom and self-fulfillment.