Disfraz De Tigre
Hidrogenesse
The Many Masks of Identity in 'Disfraz De Tigre'
Hidrogenesse's song 'Disfraz De Tigre' delves into the fluid and multifaceted nature of identity. The lyrics narrate various stages in the life of a character who constantly redefines herself based on her surroundings and the perceptions of others. From her first job at a supermarket, where she identifies as a cash register, to her participation in a synthesizer fair, where she becomes a vocoder, the character's identity is portrayed as something malleable and influenced by external factors.
The song continues to explore this theme through different life events. At school, when asked where she comes from, she simply states, 'I come from my house,' a response that highlights the simplicity and ambiguity of self-identification. During a costume party, she dons a tiger costume and declares, 'I am a tiger costume,' further emphasizing the idea that identity can be as superficial or as deep as the context allows. This recurring motif of adopting different personas suggests a critique of how society often imposes labels and roles on individuals.
In the final verse, the character reappears after a long absence, transformed and unrecognizable. Her friends respond to her question, 'Who am I?' with a series of metaphors: 'You are a machine,' 'You are a stone,' 'You are a plant,' 'You are a little animal.' These responses encapsulate the complexity and multiplicity of identity, suggesting that it can be mechanical, inert, organic, or instinctual. The repetition of these labels underscores the idea that identity is not fixed but rather a collection of various attributes and perceptions.
Hidrogenesse, known for their eclectic and experimental style, uses 'Disfraz De Tigre' to challenge conventional notions of identity. The song's playful yet profound lyrics invite listeners to reflect on how they see themselves and how they are seen by others, ultimately questioning the very nature of what it means to be 'someone.'