Cabeza de Medusa

Gustavo Cerati's 'Cabeza de Medusa' is a poetic exploration of desire, illusion, and the human tendency to seek fulfillment through superficial means. The song's title, which translates to 'Medusa's Head,' immediately evokes the mythological figure whose gaze could turn people to stone. This metaphor sets the stage for a narrative about the seductive yet perilous nature of certain desires and temptations.

The lyrics begin with an exhortation to 'fly away, man,' suggesting a need to escape from something oppressive or deceptive. The 'sudden night' that 'sells false shadows' represents the illusions and false promises that can cloud one's judgment. Cerati poignantly notes that 'when one does not love, one buys,' highlighting a societal tendency to replace genuine emotional connections with material or superficial substitutes.

The 'Medusa's Head' is described as having an 'invisible mouth' and the ability to 'seduce in a thousand ways.' This imagery suggests a powerful, almost hypnotic allure that captivates and ensnares. The repeated line 'when one does not love, one buys' serves as a refrain, emphasizing the emptiness that comes from seeking fulfillment through external means rather than internal, emotional connections. The song also touches on themes of identity and imitation, as the Medusa figure 'copies you like a mirror' but ensures that 'you will never, ever be her master.' This reflects the idea that superficial desires can mimic true fulfillment but ultimately leave one feeling hollow and unfulfilled.

In the end, the song returns to the imperative to 'fly away,' reinforcing the need to break free from these deceptive influences. Cerati's lyrical mastery and the haunting, evocative imagery make 'Cabeza de Medusa' a profound commentary on the nature of desire and the human condition.