Cancion De Alicia En El País

Fabiana Cantilo's 'Cancion De Alicia En El País' is a haunting and metaphorical exploration of a dystopian reality, drawing heavily from the whimsical yet dark world of Lewis Carroll's 'Alice in Wonderland.' The song uses the character of Alicia (Alice) to navigate a surreal landscape that mirrors the political and social turmoil of Argentina during the late 20th century. The lyrics suggest a sense of entrapment and disillusionment, as Alicia is told she can leave but ultimately has nowhere else to go, reflecting the feeling of being stuck in a corrupt and oppressive system.

The song's imagery is rich with metaphors that critique the state of the nation. Phrases like 'el asesino te asesina' (the killer kills you) and 'un río de cabezas aplastadas por el mismo pie' (a river of heads crushed by the same foot) evoke a sense of violence and oppression. The reference to 'el Rey de espadas' (the King of Spades) symbolizes a tyrannical ruler, further emphasizing the theme of authoritarian control. The song's narrative suggests that the innocent are often deemed guilty, a commentary on the miscarriage of justice and the arbitrary nature of power.

The recurring advice to Alicia not to reveal what she has seen 'detrás de aquel espejo' (behind that mirror) underscores the theme of censorship and the suppression of truth. The song warns of the return of 'brujos' (witches) who aim to obscure the path forward, symbolizing the return of oppressive forces that seek to cloud the people's vision and understanding. The final lines, 'ruinas sobre ruinas' (ruins upon ruins), poignantly capture the cyclical nature of destruction and the bleak outlook for the future, leaving Alicia—and the listener—pondering the possibility of escape and change.