Al mundo le falta un tornillo
Enrique Cadícamo
A World in Disarray: The Missing Screw
Enrique Cadícamo's song "Al mundo le falta un tornillo" paints a vivid picture of a world in chaos and disarray. The lyrics describe a society where everyone is struggling, feeling sad, and lacking joy. The phrase "todo el mundo está en la estufa" metaphorically suggests that everyone is under pressure, as if they are in a hot oven. The song highlights the economic hardships people face, with references to the high cost of living and the scarcity of money. The line "el puchero está tan alto que hay que usar el trampolín" humorously exaggerates the difficulty of affording basic necessities, comparing it to needing a trampoline to reach a pot of stew.
The song also delves into the moral decay and desperation that arise from such dire circumstances. Cadícamo points out that even the most loyal friends are being pawned, and people are living in a state of constant urgency and stress. The imagery of "la chiva hasta a Cristo se la han afeitao" suggests that even sacred things are being desecrated in these desperate times. The chorus, "Al mundo le falta un tornillo," implies that the world is missing a screw, indicating that something fundamental is broken and needs fixing. The call for a mechanic to come and fix the world underscores the need for a solution to these widespread problems.
Cadícamo's lyrics also touch on the inversion of social roles and the blurring of moral lines. The song describes how thieves have become respectable out of necessity, while honest people have turned to stealing to survive. This reversal of roles highlights the extent of the crisis and the moral ambiguity it creates. The song's portrayal of a world where the creation is fighting and sleeping without a mattress further emphasizes the sense of disorder and instability. Through its poignant and often humorous lyrics, "Al mundo le falta un tornillo" captures the essence of a society in turmoil, longing for repair and stability.