Dominó
Gustavo Cerati
The Domino Effect: A Reflection on Modern Disconnection
Gustavo Cerati's song 'Dominó' delves into the complexities of modern life, exploring themes of disconnection, inevitability, and the illusion of control. The lyrics paint a picture of a world where emotions are 'ecualizadas' (equalized), suggesting a numbness or a lack of emotional highs and lows. This 'tranquila desesperación' (calm desperation) hints at a society that has become desensitized, where the passage of time only intensifies the solitude felt by individuals. The metaphor of someone 'pendiendo de un hilo' (hanging by a thread) underscores the fragility of this existence and questions how long this precarious state can be maintained.
The chorus, with its repeated declaration of '¡Ya no!' (No more!), emphasizes a breaking point. The 'efecto dominó' (domino effect) symbolizes the inevitable collapse that follows when one element falls, leading to a chain reaction. This imagery is powerful, illustrating how the weight of accumulated pressures and unresolved issues can lead to a sudden and uncontrollable downfall. The phrase 'todo cae por su peso' (everything falls by its own weight) reinforces the idea that these collapses are a natural consequence of the burdens we carry.
Cerati also critiques the 'fe narcótica' (narcotic faith) in a 'mundo diseñado y lineal' (designed and linear world), suggesting that society is trapped in a monotonous and artificial existence. The mention of 'mecanismos de reseteo' (reset mechanisms) and the failure to 'backupear' (backup) highlights our reliance on technology and the illusion of control it provides. Despite having 'control remoto' (remote control), we have long lost true control over our lives. This song serves as a poignant reminder of the disconnection and inevitable consequences of living in a highly controlled yet emotionally detached world.