Estrellas
Leo Masliah
Chasing Stars: The Journey of Five Brothers
Leo Masliah's song "Estrellas" tells the story of five brothers, each with a shared dream of reaching the stars. This dream, however, is interpreted and pursued differently by each sibling, reflecting their unique personalities and life choices. The song begins with the brothers expressing their desire to go to the stars, only to be met with their parents' pragmatic advice to finish their schoolwork first. This sets the stage for a narrative that explores the various paths the brothers take in their quest for their own versions of 'stars.'
The first brother is a dreamer who is solely focused on the stars, to the point of neglecting his responsibilities. His single-minded pursuit leads to a harsh reality when his father, in a moment of frustration, kicks him out of the house. This act symbolizes the clash between idealism and harsh reality. The second brother moves to Hollywood, where he works as a waiter serving famous movie stars. His proximity to these 'stars' is a metaphor for being close to fame and success, yet not quite achieving it himself.
The third brother becomes a police officer, earning a shiny star badge. This represents a more conventional and socially accepted form of 'stardom,' but one that ultimately leads him to forget his original dreams. The fourth brother becomes an architect and wins a contract to design a five-star hotel, symbolizing material success and recognition. Finally, the youngest brother remains true to the original dream. He rejects 'false stars' and eventually sends a postcard from the Three Marys, a reference to a constellation, indicating that he has achieved his dream in a more literal and perhaps spiritual sense.
"Estrellas" is a poignant exploration of dreams, aspirations, and the different ways people interpret and pursue their goals. It highlights the tension between idealism and reality, and the various forms of 'stardom' one can achieve, whether through fame, success, or staying true to one's dreams.