Cuadros colgados

In 'Cuadros colgados,' Divididos paints a vivid picture of the monotony and disillusionment of daily life. The song opens with the protagonist boarding a bus at 7 AM, a time when the world is still waking up, and the routine of life begins. The repetitive actions of getting on and off the bus symbolize the cyclical nature of existence, where each day feels like a mere repetition of the last. The mention of feeling alone in 'San Martín' adds a layer of personal isolation amidst the crowd, highlighting the loneliness that can accompany even the most mundane activities.

The recurring phrase 'eran solo cuadros colgados' (they were just hanging pictures) serves as a powerful metaphor for the superficiality and emptiness the protagonist perceives in his surroundings. The 'cotorras vestidas de tigres' (parrots dressed as tigers) further emphasizes this sense of falseness and pretense. The song critiques the cultural landscape, where even the Philharmonic Orchestra is reduced to the simplicity of a 'charango,' a traditional Andean instrument, suggesting that high art and culture have lost their significance and are now indistinguishable from the ordinary.

The lyrics also express a disdain for traditional genres like tango and rock, indicating a broader disillusionment with cultural norms and expectations. The repeated question 'después del guitarrazo qué?' (after the guitar riff, what?) challenges the listener to think beyond the superficial thrills of music and entertainment. The song's closing lines, which repeatedly assert that 'no era tango ni era rock,' reinforce the idea that what the protagonist experiences is neither profound nor meaningful. Instead, it is all just 'cuadros colgados,' empty frames hanging on the wall, devoid of substance and significance.