¿qué haces Joao?

Buenos Muchachos' song "¿qué haces Joao?" delves into the life and transformation of a character named Joao. The lyrics open with a direct question to Joao, asking what he is doing, which sets a tone of curiosity and concern. The mention of a 'mentón de media luna' (half-moon chin) and 'cara chata ojos raya' (flat face, slit eyes) paints a vivid picture of Joao's physical appearance, suggesting a rugged, perhaps weathered individual. This imagery is further enhanced by the description of Joao as a 'cowboy bien peinado' (well-groomed cowboy), indicating a past where he was more put-together and perhaps more rigid or tough.

The song then transitions to a reflection on Joao's emotional journey. The line 'amando fuiste aflojando' (loving, you were loosening) suggests that through love, Joao has softened or become more vulnerable. This change is juxtaposed with his current actions, where he is seen 'rastrillando el mercado' (scouring the market), indicating a search or a quest, possibly for something lost or for a new purpose. The imagery of Joao walking on the beach with his boots, 'pisando las heridas de las huellas' (stepping on the wounds of the footprints), while looking at the ocean, evokes a sense of introspection and contemplation. The ocean, often a symbol of vastness and the unknown, mirrors Joao's internal state.

The song concludes with a poignant question, '¿sabés? Lo cerca que queda lejos' (Do you know how close far is?). This line encapsulates the theme of distance, both physical and emotional. It suggests that Joao is grappling with the concept of proximity and separation, perhaps feeling that despite being physically close to something or someone, there is still an emotional or existential distance. Buenos Muchachos, known for their introspective and poetic lyrics, use Joao's story to explore themes of change, vulnerability, and the complex nature of distance.