Cambalache

Hermetica's 'Cambalache' is a powerful and raw critique of societal decay and moral ambiguity. The song, originally a tango written by Enrique Santos Discépolo in 1934, is reinterpreted by Hermetica, an influential Argentine heavy metal band known for their socially conscious lyrics. The song's title, 'Cambalache,' translates to 'junk shop' or 'swap meet,' symbolizing a chaotic mix of values and people, much like the world it describes.

The lyrics paint a bleak picture of the world, asserting that it has always been and will continue to be a 'porquería' (a mess). The song spans centuries, from 1506 to 2000, emphasizing that corruption, deceit, and moral decay are timeless. It highlights the absurdity and futility of distinguishing between good and bad, wise and ignorant, as everyone is equally tainted by the same 'lodo' (mud). This metaphor of mud suggests that no one is clean or pure, and everyone is sullied by the same societal filth.

The song's chorus underscores the idea that in the 20th century, everything is mixed up and nothing is sacred. Figures from history and fiction, saints and sinners, are all thrown together in a disrespectful display, much like items in a junk shop. The imagery of 'La Biblia junto a un calefón' (The Bible next to a water heater) poignantly captures the loss of respect for sacred things, symbolizing the erosion of moral and ethical boundaries. The song concludes with a cynical acceptance of this reality, urging listeners to abandon their ideals and accept the chaotic, morally ambiguous world as it is.

Hermetica's rendition of 'Cambalache' resonates deeply with listeners, reflecting the band's heavy metal ethos of confronting harsh truths and societal issues head-on. The song's enduring relevance speaks to the persistent nature of the problems it addresses, making it a timeless anthem of disillusionment and critique of societal norms.