Oroscopo
Calcutta
Searching for Meaning in the Night: Calcutta's 'Oroscopo'
Calcutta's song 'Oroscopo' is a poetic exploration of a night out, filled with introspection and a search for connection. The lyrics open with the singer admitting that he hasn't read his horoscope, suggesting a sense of spontaneity and unpredictability. Despite not being in an exotic location like Rio de Janeiro, the night holds a 'fantastic climate,' hinting at the potential for unexpected experiences and encounters. The singer vows to search for someone in the traffic, bars, and even as far as the Baltic Sea, indicating a deep yearning and determination to find this person.
The chorus reveals a sense of nostalgia and disconnection. The singer states that the person he is searching for doesn't remind him of any other girl ('guagliona'), yet he vividly recalls a wall inscription, a drum roll, and the rhythm of 'Danza Kuduro,' a popular dance song. This juxtaposition of memories and the present moment creates a contrast between the past's vividness and the present's elusive nature. The imagery of a burning house and a pounding bass drum evokes a sense of chaos and intensity, mirroring the emotional turmoil the singer feels.
In the second verse, the singer describes a scene where cats move among trash bins and broken glass, and people navigate public transportation amidst bacteria and delays. This gritty urban setting contrasts with the earlier romanticized search, grounding the song in a more realistic and somewhat bleak environment. The singer acknowledges that the person searching for him will never truly understand him, adding a layer of existential loneliness. The repeated line about having 'something bad left behind in a film' suggests past traumas or unresolved issues that haunt both the singer and the person he addresses. Ultimately, 'Oroscopo' is a melancholic yet vibrant reflection on the complexities of human connection, memory, and the search for meaning in the chaos of life.