Andamio Pijuán

El Cuarteto de Nos's song "Andamio Pijuán" tells the haunting story of a man who becomes a prisoner of his own distorted self-image. The protagonist, Andamio Pijuán, bathes in tar to avoid seeing his reflection, symbolizing his deep-seated self-loathing and distorted self-perception. The tar acts as a metaphor for the layers of negativity and self-hatred that he uses to shield himself from the world and from his own eyes. This act of covering himself in tar is a desperate attempt to escape the pain of seeing his own face, which he believes to be deformed.

The song delves into the origins of Andamio's torment, tracing it back to a childhood incident. At the age of two, while playing near a fountain, he sees his reflection for the first time. However, a stone thrown into the water distorts his reflection, leading him to believe that his face is truly deformed. This moment marks the beginning of his lifelong struggle with his self-image. The lyrics poignantly capture the innocence of a child and the tragic misunderstanding that shapes Andamio's entire existence.

The climax of the song is both tragic and symbolic. One day, Andamio falls asleep in the sun, causing the tar to melt and ultimately leading to his death. The image of the police finding only a large stain where Andamio once was serves as a powerful metaphor for how his self-destructive behavior consumed him entirely. The song is a poignant commentary on the devastating effects of poor self-image and the lengths to which individuals might go to avoid confronting their true selves. Through Andamio Pijuán's story, El Cuarteto de Nos explores themes of identity, self-perception, and the tragic consequences of living in denial.