Loco
Fito Páez
The Wild Ride of Rock and Roll: Fito Páez's 'Loco'
Fito Páez's song 'Loco' is a vivid portrayal of a life consumed by the passion for rock and roll. The lyrics paint a picture of a character who is deeply entrenched in the rock culture, seeking solace and meaning in the music. The repeated plea for a coin to keep listening to rock and roll symbolizes a desperate need to stay connected to the music that defines his existence. This character is not just a fan but someone whose life revolves around the rock scene, attending concerts of iconic figures like Charly García and El Carpo, and feeling the music deeply within his soul.
The song delves into the chaotic lifestyle that often accompanies a rock and roll existence. References to drugs, alcohol, and a carefree attitude towards life highlight the darker side of this passion. The character's life is a whirlwind of substance abuse and reckless behavior, yet there is a sense of acceptance and even pride in this lifestyle. The mention of having 'a joint in the jeans' and 'speed in the legs' reflects a life lived on the edge, constantly in fear of the law but driven by an unquenchable thirst for the next high and the next concert.
'Loco' also touches on deeper existential themes. The character's musings about eventually leaving for 'a planet without anyone' and not seeing the streets anymore suggest a longing for escape from the chaos and perhaps a search for peace. The song's closing lines, which reflect on the nature of rock and roll as a force that seeks truth and stands against wrongs without demanding blood, encapsulate the rebellious yet hopeful spirit of the genre. Fito Páez, known for his poetic and often introspective lyrics, uses 'Loco' to explore the highs and lows of a life dedicated to rock and roll, capturing both its exhilarating freedom and its potential for self-destruction.