Por Probar El Vino y El Agua Salada
La Máquina de Hacer Pájaros
The Dance of Madness and Liberation in 'Por Probar El Vino y El Agua Salada'
La Máquina de Hacer Pájaros, an Argentine progressive rock band led by Charly García, delves into themes of madness, liberation, and societal decay in their song 'Por Probar El Vino y El Agua Salada.' The lyrics paint a vivid picture of Julia, a character who dances with the elements of the streets and the sea, symbolizing a chaotic yet liberating existence. The mention of 'the promised one of the king of the crazies' suggests a world where societal norms are upended, and madness reigns supreme. This could be interpreted as a critique of societal structures that confine individuals, pushing them towards madness as a form of escape.
The recurring line 'Por probar el vino y el agua salada' (For tasting the wine and the salty water) serves as a metaphor for seeking new experiences and breaking free from conventional roles. The imagery of leaving at dawn with 'the new sun on the nose' evokes a sense of renewal and hope, despite the chaos. The song also touches on themes of sacrifice and loss, as seen in the lines about the girls giving their legs to evil and the king dying in peace for the people. This juxtaposition of liberation and suffering highlights the complex nature of seeking freedom in a world filled with constraints.
The song's darker undertones are further emphasized by the references to societal collapse, such as the crying cuckoos, the absence of newspapers, and the lack of bread and salt. These elements create a dystopian backdrop against which the characters' actions unfold. The repeated questioning of how one can laugh after causing mental and physical harm underscores the emotional turmoil and moral ambiguity present in the narrative. Through its rich metaphors and evocative imagery, 'Por Probar El Vino y El Agua Salada' invites listeners to reflect on the cost of freedom and the fine line between madness and liberation.