El Tiempo No Para
Cazuza
The Relentless March of Time: A Reflection on Society and Self
Cazuza's song "El Tiempo No Para" is a powerful commentary on the relentless passage of time and the struggles of navigating a society filled with contradictions and injustices. The opening lines, "Disparo contra el sol con la fuerza del ocaso / Mi ametralladora está llena de magia," set a tone of defiance and resilience. The imagery of shooting at the sun with a magical machine gun suggests a futile yet determined fight against overwhelming forces. Despite feeling like just another man, tired of running in the wrong direction, the narrator refuses to give up, emphasizing that time does not stop for anyone.
The song delves into themes of survival and societal critique. The line "Estoy sobreviviendo sin un rasguñón / Por la caridad de quien me detesta" highlights the paradox of surviving through the charity of those who despise him. This reflects a broader societal hypocrisy where people are forced to rely on systems and individuals that are fundamentally against them. The mention of a head full of rats and buying into a farce further critiques the deceit and corruption prevalent in society. Cazuza sees the future as a repetition of the past, a museum of great novelties that are not truly new, underscoring a sense of disillusionment with progress.
Cazuza also touches on the personal and national identity struggles, particularly in the context of Argentina. The lines "Las noches de frío es mejor no nacer / Las de calor se escoje matar o morir / Y así nos hacemos argentinos!!" paint a stark picture of survival in harsh conditions, leading to a hardened national identity. The song criticizes how Argentinians are labeled as thieves, cowards, and drug addicts, while the real culprits are those who have plunged the country into turmoil. This powerful narrative not only reflects personal resilience but also serves as a broader social critique, making "El Tiempo No Para" a timeless anthem of resistance and reflection.