Capitán América

The song 'Capitán América' by the Argentine rock band Las Pelotas presents a critical and somewhat ironic view of consumerism and the influence of American culture, particularly in South America. The lyrics describe a landscape dominated by 'unbreakable glass towers' and 'supermarket chains,' which can be interpreted as symbols of capitalism and the overwhelming presence of corporate America. The repetition of the word 'guaranteed' may be a sarcastic nod to the promises of quality and satisfaction that advertisements often make, highlighting the emptiness of such claims in the face of cultural and economic imperialism.

The phrase 'moving, they fall upon me' suggests a feeling of being overwhelmed or bombarded by these forces, unable to escape their reach. The mention of 'running to the back' could imply a need to retreat or find refuge from this relentless commercial onslaught. The confusion and disorientation expressed by 'if I can't see where I'm going, it seems that I've passed it' reflects the alienation and loss of direction that can result from living in a society saturated with consumerist values.

The reference to 'America' and the clarification 'I must be in South America, far south...' serves to localize the experience, emphasizing the specific impact of North American cultural and economic dominance on South American societies. The song uses the image of America as a symbol of power and influence, while also pointing out the speaker's position on the periphery, 'well to the south,' which can be seen as a metaphor for the cultural and economic distance from the center of power.