Paisano de Hurlingham

The song 'Paisano de Hurlingham' by the Argentine rock band Divididos is a vivid portrayal of the everyday life and characters one might encounter in the suburbs of Buenos Aires. The lyrics are filled with local references and slang, painting a picture of the common man's routine and the peculiarities of suburban culture. The title itself references a 'paisano' or countryman from Hurlingham, a city in the Buenos Aires Province, suggesting a focus on the local and the familiar.

The song's lyrics weave together a series of images and scenes, such as a 'poda neblina' (pruning fog), which could symbolize the act of making one's way through the confusion of daily life. The mention of a 'ciego bilingüe' (bilingual blind man) and the journey 'de Retiro a Pilar' (from Retiro to Pilar) further emphasizes the diversity and the movement inherent in the life of the suburbs. The 'sapo' (toad) that explodes and the 'sable recto en estación' (straight saber at the station) could be metaphors for sudden, unexpected events and the sharpness of reality that cuts through the mundane.

The recurring theme of the 'abejas con Ombú' (bees with Ombú) traveling in the 'panal' (honeycomb) suggests a sense of community and interconnectedness, despite the chaos. The 'canilla en el andén' (tap on the platform) dripping news and the shouted headlines speak to the constant flow of information and gossip that permeates daily life. Divididos, known for their rock and folk fusion, often incorporates Argentine cultural elements into their music, and 'Paisano de Hurlingham' is a testament to their ability to capture the essence of local life through their distinctive sound and poetic lyrics.