Qué Carajo Es El Amor?

Las Pastillas del Abuelo, an Argentine rock band known for their poignant lyrics and blend of rock, blues, and other genres, presents a contemplative take on love in their song "Qué Carajo Es El Amor?" The title itself, which translates to "What the Hell is Love?" sets a tone of inquiry and perhaps a touch of exasperation about the elusive nature of love.

The lyrics weave a narrative of two individuals whose lives are steeped in cultural references, such as the music of Solari, a nod to Argentine rock legend Carlos Solari, and the football skills of Pipo and Ruben Paz. These references serve to ground the story in a distinctly Argentine context. The song speaks to the journey of love, suggesting that it is something learned 'little by little' and that it can be seen in the everyday actions and choices of the couple. The repeated line, 'Miralos a ellos dos,' which means 'Look at those two,' invites the listener to observe love as it manifests in the lives of real people, rather than seeking abstract definitions.

The song also touches on themes of destiny and the passage of time, as indicated by the phrase 'El futuro llego hace rato' ('The future has already arrived'). This suggests that love is not just a future possibility but something that can be present and tangible in the here and now. The mention of 'Todo un palo ya lo ves' ('It's a big stick, you see') is a phrase that can imply a significant challenge or a striking event, perhaps alluding to the trials and tribulations that love can entail, as well as its unexpected nature.