Los Dinosaurios

Charly García's 'Los Dinosaurios' is a poignant song that delves into the theme of disappearance and the oppressive atmosphere of Argentina during the military dictatorship that lasted from 1976 to 1983. The lyrics speak to the fear and uncertainty that permeated the era, where people could be 'disappeared'—a term chillingly used for the abduction and murder of dissidents by the government. García, a prominent figure in Latin American rock, uses the metaphor of dinosaurs to represent the oppressive regime, suggesting that just as the prehistoric creatures eventually became extinct, so too would the dictatorial powers.

The song's refrain, 'Los amigos del barrio pueden desaparecer,' which translates to 'The friends from the neighborhood can disappear,' captures the pervasive anxiety of the time. The repetition of the concept of disappearance throughout the song emphasizes the instability and the transient nature of life under such a regime. The line 'Cuando el mundo tira para abajo es mejor no estar atado a nada,' or 'When the world pulls down it's better not to be tied to anything,' reflects a desire for freedom and the need to remain unburdened by the regime's oppressive forces.

García's music often contains political undertones, and 'Los Dinosaurios' is no exception. It serves as a reminder of a dark period in Argentina's history while also conveying a message of hope and resilience. The song suggests that oppressive forces, no matter how powerful they seem, are not eternal and will eventually meet their end, just like the dinosaurs. It's a call for lightness in the face of gravity, and a reminder that the human spirit can outlast even the most fearsome of 'dinosaurs.'