Engaña

Gustavo Cerati's song 'Engaña' delves into the complexities of truth and deception within the context of a relationship. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a moment that begins in a forgotten room, where the touch of silk awakens a sense of intimacy. This setting serves as a backdrop for a game of truth-telling between two people, highlighting the paradox that sometimes, knowing the truth can be more deceptive than ignorance. The line 'a decirnos la verdad que más engaña' (to tell each other the truth that deceives more) encapsulates this idea, suggesting that the act of revealing truths can sometimes lead to greater confusion and illusion.

The recurring imagery of the sea and dreams adds another layer of meaning to the song. The sea often symbolizes the subconscious and the unknown, while dreams represent a state of altered reality. Cerati sings about dreaming of being at the sea and not remembering waking up, which could imply a desire to escape from reality or a struggle to distinguish between dreams and reality. This blurring of lines between what is real and what is imagined underscores the theme of deception and self-deception.

Cerati also touches on the inevitability of disillusionment in relationships. The song starts on a hopeful note but quickly acknowledges that there is no return to the initial fervor ('Empieza bien y no hay retorno a aquel furor'). The breaking of the song and the minimal pain it causes ('Se rompe la canción, apenas duele') suggest a resigned acceptance of this disillusionment. The repeated phrase 'Tal vez me engañe' (Maybe I deceive myself) reflects the inherent risk of self-deception in the pursuit of truth and love. Ultimately, 'Engaña' is a poignant exploration of the fragile nature of truth and the illusions we create to navigate our emotional landscapes.