La Vida Moderna

Fito Páez's song 'La Vida Moderna' is a poignant reflection on the complexities and contradictions of contemporary life. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a world where technology and media have a pervasive influence, symbolized by phrases like 'a drop of blood on MTV' and 'a corpse connected to the Internet.' These lines suggest a desensitization to violence and death, highlighting how modern society often consumes tragedy as entertainment. The reference to 'Mona Lisa crying in the garden' evokes a sense of lost innocence and beauty in a world increasingly dominated by superficiality and cynicism.

The song delves deeper into the emotional and psychological toll of modern life, describing it as 'the disease of the heart, so mortal, so eternal.' This metaphor captures the enduring and pervasive nature of existential angst in contemporary society. The 'sect of Cain's brothers' and 'a tear by computer' further illustrate the alienation and disconnection that technology can foster, while the 'etchings of the Berlin Wall' and 'ice runways for models violated by Christian-Dios' underscore the historical and ongoing struggles for freedom and identity.

In the final verses, Páez expresses a desperate need to escape the 'purgatory of survival,' yearning for something more than mere existence. The repetition of 'until the year two, until the year three, until the year ten, until the year one hundred thousand' emphasizes the seemingly endless nature of this struggle. Ultimately, the song concludes with the stark realization that 'solitude is the equation of modern life,' encapsulating the profound sense of isolation that often accompanies the frenetic pace and pressures of contemporary living. Through its rich imagery and emotional depth, 'La Vida Moderna' offers a powerful critique of the modern condition, urging listeners to reflect on the true cost of progress and the importance of genuine human connection.