No Soy Un Extraño
Charly García
Unveiling the Layers of 'No Soy Un Extraño' by Charly García
Charly García's 'No Soy Un Extraño' is a song that delves into the themes of alienation and the search for identity amidst a society that may feel both familiar and strange. The opening lines, 'Acabo de llegar, no soy un extraño / Conozco esta ciudad no es como en los diarios, desde allá,' suggest the protagonist's return to a place they know well, yet the reality of the city differs from what is portrayed in the media. This contrast sets the stage for a narrative of disconnection and the quest for authenticity.
The imagery of two men holding hands and dancing a tango in a bar is a powerful one, evoking a sense of intimacy and defiance in a public setting. This scene is observed by the protagonist, who tries to remain inconspicuous, 'Me quedo piola y empiezo a pensar,' reflecting on the idea that one should not conform to the same methods or beliefs as everyone else, 'Que no hay que pescar dos peces con la misma red.' This metaphor suggests the importance of individuality and not getting caught in the homogenizing nets of society.
The song's chorus, 'Desprejuiciados son los que vendrán / Y los que están ya no me importan más,' speaks to a hopeful future where open-mindedness prevails over the prejudices of the present. García's lyrics encourage listeners to break free from the 'carceleros de la humanidad,' or the jailers of humanity, who enforce conformity. The repeated line, 'Dos veces con la misma red,' reinforces the message of resisting the traps that society sets to ensnare individuals in a cycle of sameness.