El Ex
Boom Boom Kid
The Hidden Admiration in 'El Ex' by Boom Boom Kid
Boom Boom Kid's song 'El Ex' delves into the complex dynamics of hidden admiration and unspoken desires. The lyrics paint a picture of someone who outwardly criticizes and dismisses the protagonist, yet secretly listens and yearns to be part of their world. This duality is evident in lines like 'Gustas sacarme el cuero siempre gustas, buscando un pero siempre gustas, pero escondida me escuchas,' which translate to 'You like to criticize me, always looking for a flaw, but secretly you listen to me.' The song captures the tension between public disdain and private admiration, highlighting the contradictory nature of human emotions.
The protagonist is aware of this hidden admiration and even finds it amusing. They acknowledge that despite the outward negativity, the other person is drawn to their 'mar de ideas locas' or 'sea of crazy ideas.' This metaphor suggests that the protagonist's creativity and uniqueness are what attract the other person, even if they are reluctant to admit it openly. The repeated phrase 'porque yo sé que en realidad donde yo estoy querés estar' ('because I know that in reality, you want to be where I am') underscores this hidden desire to belong to the protagonist's world.
The song also touches on themes of social belonging and authenticity. The line 'a mi casta pertenecer pero sin pasta no podés' ('you want to belong to my caste, but without money, you can't') suggests that there are barriers to entry into the protagonist's world, possibly hinting at social or economic differences. Despite these barriers, the other person's secret admiration persists, revealing the complexity of human relationships and the often unspoken desires that drive them. Boom Boom Kid's punk rock style, known for its raw and honest expression, perfectly complements the song's themes of hidden feelings and social dynamics.