El Estuche

Aterciopelados, a Colombian rock band known for their social and political activism, delivers a powerful message in their song 'El Estuche.' The lyrics challenge societal norms regarding physical appearance and the pressure to conform to beauty standards. The song's title, which translates to 'The Case' or 'The Shell,' metaphorically represents the human body as a mere container for the soul, emphasizing that true value lies within.

The repeated line 'Mira la esencia, no las apariencias' which means 'Look at the essence, not the appearances,' serves as the song's core message, urging listeners to look beyond superficial judgments based on physical attributes. The band criticizes the objectification of bodies and the obsession with measurements like '90-60-90,' which are often seen as ideal proportions for women. By stating that these numbers 'suman doscientos cuarenta' ('add up to two hundred forty') and 'Cifras que no hay que tener en cuenta' ('Numbers that should not be taken into account'), they dismiss the importance of adhering to such arbitrary standards.

The song also touches on spiritual themes, suggesting that there is a spiritual essence that is more significant than physical appearance. The 'aroma espiritual' ('spiritual aroma') and 'mensajeros alados' ('winged messengers') hint at a connection to something higher and more profound. The band encourages listeners to 'open the case' to find the 'jewel' inside, symbolizing the discovery of one's inner beauty and worth. 'El Estuche' is a call to self-acceptance and to value the depth of one's character over outward looks.