El Martillo

The song 'El Martillo' by the Venezuelan rock band Caramelos De Cianuro is a metaphorical exploration of the passage of time and the fleeting nature of life. The lyrics depict a scene where the protagonist's tricycle, a symbol of childhood and innocence, has run out of 'gasoline,' suggesting that the simplicity and carefree days of youth have come to an end. The request for a hammer to fix the tricycle can be interpreted as an attempt to restore or hold onto the past, to rekindle the spirit of youth that has been lost.

The recurring image of an old man showing his gums ('te mostraba las encias') while reminiscing about hammering his own tricycle as a child serves as a poignant reminder of the cycle of life. The old man represents the future that awaits the protagonist, a future where one looks back on their life and reflects on its brevity. The phrase '¡Pégale con el martillo!' (Hit it with the hammer!) is a call to action, perhaps to make the most of life or to confront its challenges head-on, acknowledging that time is relentless and waits for no one.

The line 'lo que rápido comienza siempre rápido termina' (what starts quickly always ends quickly) reinforces the theme of life's swift progression. The mention of 'los felices que por siempre solamente porque mienten' (the forever happy ones only because they lie) suggests that the appearance of a perfect, happy life is often a facade. The song, with its energetic rock rhythm and evocative lyrics, encourages listeners to face life's impermanence and to live authentically, even if it means acknowledging the hardships and the inevitable passage of time.