Como un bolu

Bersuit Vergarabat's song 'Como un bolu' is a humorous yet poignant exploration of existential angst and the feeling of being out of place. The term 'bolu' is a colloquial Argentine slang for 'fool' or 'idiot,' and the song's protagonist repeatedly questions his own decisions and the situations he finds himself in. The lyrics are a series of rhetorical questions, each beginning with '¿qué hago yo acá?' ('what am I doing here?'), highlighting the protagonist's sense of disorientation and dissatisfaction with his current circumstances.

The song opens with a conversation that sets the tone for the protagonist's internal monologue. He wonders why he is wasting time in a bar when he could be enjoying life elsewhere, such as at a nightclub or at home watching TV. This sense of missed opportunities and the grass being greener on the other side is a recurring theme. The protagonist's lament continues as he questions why he is rehearsing with his band instead of engaging in more 'serious' activities, like attending a milonga (a tango dance event) or performing at a prestigious venue like Luna Park.

As the song progresses, the protagonist's existential crisis deepens. He questions why he is in a 'filthy city' when he could be at the beach with his family. This juxtaposition of urban life and the idyllic beach setting underscores his longing for a simpler, more fulfilling existence. The repeated refrain '¡No, Pelado!' adds a layer of frustration and resignation, as if he is trying to convince himself to accept his current situation but ultimately failing. The song captures the universal human experience of questioning one's choices and the constant search for meaning and satisfaction in life.