Llega El Tren
La Franela
The Waiting Game: A Journey of Dreams and Reality in 'Llega El Tren'
La Franela's song 'Llega El Tren' paints a vivid picture of the daily grind and the dreams that keep us going. The lyrics describe a person waiting at a train station, a metaphor for waiting for a significant change or opportunity in life. The protagonist is caught in a routine, symbolized by the repetitive act of waiting for the train, and the presence of the newspaper boy and his radio, which fails to provide any meaningful news, reflects the monotony and lack of inspiration in his current life.
The song delves into the internal conflict between the security of a stable job and the allure of dreams and temptations. The protagonist is grateful for his job, which provides for his basic needs ('da de morfar'), but he is also aware of the 'number in the national,' a reference to the lottery, symbolizing the hope for a sudden change in fortune. This duality is a common struggle, where the fear of losing stability clashes with the desire for a more fulfilling life. The lyrics capture this tension beautifully, highlighting the protagonist's anxiety and the constant battle between reality and dreams.
As the train finally arrives, the protagonist wakes up to the hustle and bustle of the train's vendors, each offering a chance at a different life. The dense air and general frustration among the passengers reflect the shared struggle of many who are stuck in similar routines. The act of buying a lottery ticket from a blind vendor symbolizes a small act of solidarity and a glimmer of hope. The song ends on a note of continued dreaming, as the protagonist remains caught between the life he has and the life he dreams of, encapsulating the universal human experience of yearning for something more while navigating the constraints of reality.