Un Misil En Mi Placard

Gustavo Cerati's song 'Un Misil En Mi Placard' is a profound exploration of hidden tensions and unresolved conflicts within personal relationships. The song begins with a couple seeking refuge on a couch, symbolizing a moment of intimacy and vulnerability. However, this tranquility is disrupted by an 'extraña sensación' (strange sensation) and a 'presentimiento' (premonition), leading to an abrupt halt in their lovemaking. This interruption signifies the intrusion of an external or internal conflict that cannot be ignored.

The imagery of a 'misil en mi placard' (missile in my closet) serves as a powerful metaphor for these hidden tensions. A closet, typically a private and secure space, becomes a repository for something dangerous and potentially destructive. The missile represents unresolved issues or emotions that are kept out of sight but are always present, ready to explode at any moment. The line 'un modelo para armar, pero nunca para desarmar' (a model to assemble, but never to disassemble) further emphasizes the complexity and permanence of these issues, suggesting that once these conflicts are set in motion, they cannot be easily dismantled.

Cerati's use of everyday actions, like seeking warmth or lighting a cigarette, juxtaposed with the discovery of the missile, highlights the contrast between mundane life and underlying threats. The repeated phrase 'aquí también' (here too) underscores the ubiquity of these hidden conflicts, suggesting that they are not isolated incidents but pervasive issues that can surface anywhere. The song's melancholic tone, combined with its haunting lyrics, creates a sense of inevitable confrontation with these hidden dangers, urging listeners to acknowledge and address the unresolved tensions in their own lives.