Absolutismos
Las Pastillas del Abuelo
Challenging Absolutes: A Dive into 'Absolutismos' by Las Pastillas del Abuelo
The song 'Absolutismos' by Las Pastillas del Abuelo, an Argentine rock band known for their thoughtful lyrics and blend of rock, blues, and other genres, delves into the theme of questioning established beliefs and the search for personal truth. The lyrics begin with an apology for contradicting previously held convictions, suggesting a journey of self-discovery and the realization that what once served a purpose may no longer be relevant. The phrase 'La gran verdad / Es: No hay verdad, ¡sino verdades!' translates to 'The great truth / Is: There is no truth, but truths!' which encapsulates the song's central message that there are multiple perspectives and truths rather than a single, absolute truth.
The song continues to explore themes of belief, pleasure, and democracy, emphasizing the importance of not losing faith in these concepts despite their complexities and contradictions. The questioning of divine existence and the nature of God reflects a philosophical inquiry into spirituality, where the singer expresses a belief in a universal God rather than a traditional anthropomorphic deity. The lyrics also touch upon the value of enthusiasm and the struggle to maintain it in the face of changing circumstances, highlighting the human condition of contradiction.
The closing lines of the song bring a sense of humility and acceptance of the human propensity for contradiction. The mention of 'un perro sabio,' or 'a wise dog,' serves as a metaphor for an ideal of unconditional forgiveness and understanding, which the singer feels undeserving of due to their human flaws. This introspective conclusion reinforces the song's overarching theme of embracing one's own complexities and the multifaceted nature of truth and belief.