Bicho Auto
Juana Molina
The Enigmatic Dance of the Strange Creature
Juana Molina's song "Bicho Auto" is a mesmerizing exploration of light, darkness, and the mysterious presence of an unknown creature. The lyrics open with a series of images depicting different sources of light: a candle, a lantern, and the moon. These lights serve as beacons in the darkness, creating a sense of anticipation and curiosity about what they might reveal.
The song then introduces the 'strange creature' with disdainful eyes, raising questions about its origin and purpose. The creature's sudden appearance and the mystery surrounding it evoke a sense of unease and wonder. The lyrics suggest that the creature emerges from a furrow in the earth and dances away swiftly, adding a surreal and almost magical quality to its presence. This dance can be interpreted as a metaphor for the fleeting and elusive nature of the unknown, something that appears briefly and then vanishes into the darkness.
The recurring mention of light and darkness throughout the song highlights the contrast between the known and the unknown. The creature's lantern, which illuminates only a little, symbolizes the limited understanding we have of the mysteries around us. Despite the presence of two lights, the song emphasizes their insufficiency in fully dispelling the darkness. This duality reflects the human experience of grappling with the unknown, where even with some illumination, much remains hidden and enigmatic.