Historietas

El Cuarteto de Nos, a renowned Uruguayan rock band known for their satirical and humorous lyrics, presents a vivid and critical portrayal of modern Uruguay in their song 'Historietas.' The song cleverly uses well-known cartoon characters to comment on societal and political issues, blending humor with sharp social critique.

The lyrics begin by imagining how iconic characters like Patoruzú, Porky Pig, and Tiro Loco McGraw would fare in contemporary Uruguay. The imagery of Patoruzú being defeated by Rivera and Porky Pig reduced to sandwich meat serves as a metaphor for the harsh realities and transformations that traditional values and figures might undergo in today's world. The mention of the Zorro as a municipal worker and Isidoro as a regular senator further emphasizes the mundane and often disappointing roles that heroes and influential figures might be relegated to in modern society.

The song continues with a critique of cultural and environmental degradation. The transformation of cinemas into churches and Aquaman swimming in polluted waters of the Río de la Plata highlight the loss of cultural spaces and environmental neglect. The playful yet poignant image of Donald Duck singing a local tune and Little Lulu selling band-aids on the streets underscores the absurdity and decline of once-glamorous icons.

In the final verses, the song paints a bleak picture of beloved characters facing dire circumstances: Woody Woodpecker in a mental institution, Lassie suffering from disease, and Popeye imprisoned for drug-related violence. These scenarios reflect the struggles and disillusionment faced by many in Uruguay. The mention of Colonel Cañones being free due to political favoritism ('voto amarillo') adds a layer of political commentary, criticizing corruption and the influence of power in society.

'Historietas' is a masterful blend of humor and social commentary, using familiar cartoon characters to reflect on the complexities and challenges of contemporary Uruguayan life.