Centro Comercial

Lendakaris Muertos, a punk rock band known for their satirical and often politically charged lyrics, delivers a biting critique of modern consumer culture in their song 'Centro Comercial.' The song's title, which translates to 'Shopping Mall,' sets the stage for a scathing commentary on how consumerism has infiltrated and dominated everyday life. The lyrics mock the superficiality and emptiness of a lifestyle centered around shopping malls, portraying it as a form of modern-day absurdity.

The song opens with a stark declaration that the subject is neither left-wing nor right-wing but rather a product of the 'shopping mall center.' This line cleverly plays on the idea of political centrism, suggesting that the true allegiance of many people today is not to any political ideology but to consumerism. The repeated use of the word 'anormal' (abnormal) underscores the band's view that this consumer-driven lifestyle is not just different but fundamentally flawed.

As the song progresses, it paints a vivid picture of a person who has moved from a traditional home to live in a shopping mall. This metaphorical move signifies a complete surrender to consumer culture, where one's identity and self-worth are tied to material possessions and shopping habits. The lyrics describe this person as having 'jeta de tarjeta' (a face of a credit card) and being an 'ente autosuficiente' (self-sufficient entity), highlighting the dehumanizing effect of consumerism. The imagery of wandering the mall in pajamas and slippers further emphasizes the loss of individuality and critical thinking, reducing people to mere consumers.

The song also touches on the degradation of intellectual and moral values, with lines like 'tienes las neuronas caducadas' (your neurons are expired) and 'tus principios están en las rebajas' (your principles are on sale). This suggests that consumerism not only affects one's lifestyle but also erodes mental and ethical standards. The absurdity reaches its peak with the mention of winning a trip to visit a Carrefour, a large supermarket chain, in Soria, a mundane and unremarkable destination. This highlights the triviality and banality of consumer rewards, further mocking the hollow promises of a consumer-driven life.