Profugos
Gustavo Cerati
Eternal Fugitives: The Unending Escape in 'Profugos'
In 'Profugos,' Gustavo Cerati delves into the complexities of a relationship marked by a perpetual sense of escape and evasion. The song opens with the acknowledgment of complicity between two individuals, suggesting a shared understanding and mutual participation in their flight. The line 'Al menos sé que huyo porque amo' (At least I know I flee because I love) reveals a paradox where love itself becomes the reason for their escape. This need for 'distensión' (relaxation) and the feeling of being 'despierto' (awake) in a 'delirio de condenados' (delirium of the condemned) paints a picture of a love that is both exhilarating and exhausting, a constant state of alertness and tension.
Cerati uses vivid metaphors to describe the relationship's dynamics. The 'efecto residual' (residual effect) and the 'ruido blanco' (white noise) symbolize the lingering impact and the constant background noise that disrupts their peace. The plea 'No seas tan cruel' (Don't be so cruel) and the repeated assertion that 'siempre seremos prófugos los dos' (we will always be fugitives) underscore the inevitability of their situation. Despite their efforts, they are trapped in a cycle of running away, unable to find a place of solace or stability.
The imagery of 'carreteras sin sentido' (meaningless roads) and 'religiones sin motivo' (religions without reason) further emphasizes the futility and aimlessness of their journey. They are like an 'área devastada' (devastated area), devoid of direction and purpose. The song captures the essence of a relationship that, while deeply connected, is also fundamentally flawed and unsustainable. Cerati's poignant lyrics and emotive delivery make 'Profugos' a powerful exploration of love, escape, and the human condition.