Afiche
José Larralde
The Heartache of Lost Love and Commercialism in José Larralde's 'Afiche'
José Larralde's song 'Afiche' delves into the themes of love, loss, and the commercialization of human relationships. The Argentine folk singer-songwriter is known for his poignant lyrics and his ability to weave complex emotions into his music. 'Afiche,' which translates to 'Poster' in English, uses the metaphor of a poster to represent the superficiality and commodification of feelings and relationships in modern society.
The lyrics express the pain of seeing a loved one's image being used to sell illusions, as if their essence has been reduced to a mere object for public consumption. The protagonist reflects on the sacrifices made for love, providing a home and fighting for the relationship, only to end up losing the loved one to a world where everything, including love, is for sale. The repeated line 'Dan ganas de balearse en un rincón,' which can be translated as 'Makes you want to shoot yourself in a corner,' conveys a deep sense of despair and disillusionment.
Larralde's song is not just a personal lament but also a critique of a society where genuine emotions are exploited for commercial gain. The contrast between the natural cycle of the seasons and the artificiality of the loved one's image on a poster highlights the disconnect between authentic human experiences and the manufactured images that are sold to us. 'Afiche' is a powerful commentary on the loss of personal intimacy and the dehumanizing effects of commercialism.