Las gatas con permanente

Isabel Parra's song 'Las gatas con permanente' is a vibrant and metaphorical piece that delves into themes of change, identity, and societal roles. The song is structured as a cueca, a traditional Chilean folk dance, which adds a layer of cultural richness and authenticity to its narrative. The lyrics begin with the line 'Ya se fue el mes de agosto,' signaling the end of August, a month often associated with transitions and the changing of seasons. This sets the stage for the central metaphor of the song: the 'gatas con permanente,' or cats with perms, who alter their appearance to stand out and feel different.

The imagery of cats getting perms and painting a ray of sun on themselves is a playful yet poignant commentary on the lengths to which individuals go to reinvent themselves. This can be seen as a reflection on societal pressures to conform to certain standards of beauty and behavior. The mention of a 'gatita' (little cat) who is 'muy ladina' (very cunning) and 'se encuentra fina' (finds herself fine) on the rooftop further emphasizes the theme of self-perception and the desire to be seen as unique or special.

The song also touches on themes of fertility and domesticity with the line 'parió catorce gatos en media hora' (gave birth to fourteen cats in half an hour). This hyperbolic statement highlights the often overwhelming expectations placed on individuals, particularly women, in terms of productivity and caregiving. The final lines, '¡Anda pa' la cocina, gata cochina!' (Go to the kitchen, dirty cat!), serve as a stark reminder of the traditional roles and spaces that society often confines individuals to, despite their efforts to break free and redefine themselves.