Celofan
Los Caballeros de la Quema
The Struggles and Ironies of a Rock Musician
Los Caballeros de la Quema's song "Celofan" paints a vivid picture of the struggles and ironies faced by a rock musician. The lyrics are a raw and candid reflection of the hardships that come with pursuing a career in music, especially in a genre that often clashes with mainstream expectations and financial stability. The opening lines, "No tengo CUIT ni CUIL. Yo no me doy con la DGI," highlight the protagonist's detachment from the formal economic system, emphasizing a life lived on the fringes of societal norms.
The song's narrative continues with a series of personal and professional challenges, such as power cuts, lack of gas, and the constant need to rehearse despite these adversities. The advice from the protagonist's father, "no te encames con el rock... canta boleros si quieren morfar," underscores the generational divide and the pragmatic approach of older generations who view rock music as an impractical career choice. This advice is met with a rebellious spirit, as the protagonist chooses to stick with rock, despite the financial and social hardships.
The recurring imagery of "sobres con celofán" and "sonrisa de muñón" adds a layer of irony and bitterness to the song. These phrases suggest superficiality and the hollow smiles that mask deeper frustrations. The mention of playing in Chapadmalal and the sarcastic question about knowing Slash further illustrate the disconnect between the perceived glamour of being a musician and the harsh reality. The song concludes with a sense of disillusionment, as the protagonist laments recording an album in Pakistan without any financial gain, encapsulating the ongoing struggle and the bittersweet nature of their passion for rock music.