El Otro Engranaje

Jorge Drexler's song 'El Otro Engranaje' delves into the intricate and often concealed aspects of human desire and infidelity. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of how personal and professional lives intertwine, revealing the hidden gears that drive human behavior. Drexler uses metaphors and vivid imagery to explore the duality of public personas and private desires, suggesting that beneath the surface of everyday life, there is a complex web of emotions and actions that often go unnoticed.

The song opens with the idea that desire follows a parallel course to life, suggesting that while we go about our daily routines, there is an undercurrent of longing and passion that influences our actions. Drexler highlights the contrast between the visible and the hidden, using the metaphor of a bed that fills and empties to symbolize the transient nature of relationships and the constant flux of human emotions. This duality is further emphasized by the mention of surgeons escaping to motels, illustrating how even those in seemingly respectable professions are not immune to the pull of desire.

As the song progresses, Drexler expands on this theme by describing various scenarios where the 'other gear' of desire operates. He mentions congresses, tours, and agricultural fairs, alluding to the idea that no matter the setting, the invisible wheel of transgressions continues to turn. The lyrics suggest that life is not just about the overt actions we take but also about the covert messages, secret calls, and hidden affairs that shape our experiences. The recurring motif of hotels and late-night traffic underscores the clandestine nature of these activities, highlighting the tension between societal expectations and personal desires.

In the final verses, Drexler addresses the concept of fidelity, describing it as a 'brumosa palabra' or foggy word, with an uncertain list of prohibited gestures. This ambiguity reflects the complexity of human relationships and the difficulty of defining loyalty in a world where desire often blurs the lines between right and wrong. The song concludes with the idea that while fidelity may bark loudly, it bites less than it threatens, suggesting that the fear of transgression often outweighs the actual act. Through 'El Otro Engranaje,' Drexler invites listeners to reflect on the hidden mechanisms that drive human behavior and the delicate balance between societal norms and personal desires.