Mala señal

Charly García's song 'Mala señal' delves into the complexities of a relationship that is falling apart, using vivid imagery and metaphors to convey the emotional turmoil. The phrase 'mala señal' (bad sign) is repeated throughout the song, symbolizing the protagonist's realization that the relationship is doomed. The act of the woman crossing her legs and leaving the champagne untouched when he says something uncertain is a subtle yet powerful indication of her disinterest and the impending end of their connection.

The lyrics also introduce the metaphor of the onion, which serves as an excuse for crying. This suggests that the protagonist is trying to mask his true feelings of sadness and heartbreak by attributing his tears to something trivial. The mention of paying for an international call further emphasizes the distance and disconnection between the two, both physically and emotionally. The protagonist is left alone to bear the emotional and financial cost of their failed relationship.

As the song progresses, the imagery becomes more surreal with references to flying planes and boats, and the protagonist transforming into a piece of onion or an atom of the sun. This surrealism reflects the disorientation and fragmentation he feels as he grapples with the end of the relationship. The final lines, where the woman leaves him in Paris, underscore the sense of abandonment and loss. García's poignant lyrics and melancholic tone capture the essence of heartbreak and the futile attempts to find meaning in the aftermath of a failed relationship.