Voy a Bailar a La Nave Del Olvido
La Renga
Dancing Away the Blues: La Renga's 'Voy a Bailar a La Nave Del Olvido'
La Renga's 'Voy a Bailar a La Nave Del Olvido' is a song that encapsulates the desire to escape the mundane and the burdens of everyday life through the act of dancing. The title itself, which translates to 'I'm Going to Dance on the Ship of Oblivion,' suggests a journey to a place where one can forget their troubles and be free, if only for a moment. The 'ship of oblivion' serves as a metaphor for a state of mind or a place where the protagonist can leave behind his 'criminal ration' and 'leak,' which could symbolize personal problems or a sense of guilt.
The lyrics paint a picture of a gritty, perhaps even seedy, nightlife scene with 'cheap perfumes,' 'scratched records,' and 'chopped environments.' These elements contribute to the atmosphere of a place that is far from perfect but serves as a necessary escape. The mention of 'La Perito,' which could refer to a deserted street or area, and the moon over the rooftops of Pompeya, a neighborhood, adds a sense of location and time, grounding the song in a specific urban setting. The dance, then, becomes a way to connect with others, as suggested by the invitation to a 'morocha' (a dark-haired woman) to join in the escapade.
As the song progresses, the return to reality is inevitable. The protagonist comes back with 'muddy shoes' and feeling 'somewhat dizzy,' indicating that the escape was temporary and perhaps involved some excesses. The transition from night to day is marked by the disappearance of the moon and the arrival of the sun, symbolizing the end of the adventure and the return to the daily grind. The repetition of the deserted 'La Perito' and the sun over Pompeya reinforces the cyclical nature of seeking escape and then facing reality again.