Jaque Mate 1916

Carlos Varela's song 'Jaque Mate 1916' is a vivid tapestry of surreal imagery and historical references, painting a picture of societal chaos and existential confusion. The song opens with a series of disjointed yet evocative scenes: a dog hitting a door, a neighbor abusing his wife, and a yellow line dividing the asphalt. These images set the stage for a world where people are lost and unsure of their actions, symbolized by the repeated phrase 'no saben qué hacer' (they don't know what to do).

The song's chorus introduces the historical figures Tristan Tzara and Lenin, who are depicted playing chess. This reference is loaded with meaning. Tristan Tzara was a founder of the Dada movement, an avant-garde art movement that emerged as a reaction to the horrors of World War I. Lenin, on the other hand, was a revolutionary leader who played a pivotal role in the Russian Revolution. By placing these two figures in a game of chess, Varela suggests a world where art and politics are intertwined, and where the moves on the chessboard mirror the chaotic and unpredictable nature of life and society.

Throughout the song, Varela uses the metaphor of chess to explore themes of identity and duality. Characters encounter their doubles, whether it's a dog seeing its reflection in a puddle or the narrator finding his double in a woman. These encounters highlight the fragmented nature of self and the struggle to find meaning in a world that feels like a game of chess, where each piece is a part of a larger, incomprehensible whole. The recurring imagery of rainbows, puddles, and newspapers further emphasizes the surreal and disorienting atmosphere, making 'Jaque Mate 1916' a poignant reflection on the human condition and the societal structures that shape our lives.