Chow Chow Sen

Los Miserables' song 'Chow Chow Sen' delves into the complexities of love, identity, and emotional turmoil. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a protagonist grappling with conflicting emotions and a sense of disorientation. The song opens with a sense of warmth and life, but quickly transitions into a narrative filled with confusion and longing. The protagonist's relationship with a Japanese friend becomes a focal point, symbolizing a deeper struggle with intimacy and honesty. The line 'maldito dia en que yo te vi' (damn the day I saw you) encapsulates the regret and pain intertwined with love.

The chorus, with its repetitive 'Oye estoy, muy bien, muy mal' (Hey, I'm very well, very bad), highlights the protagonist's emotional instability. This duality is further emphasized by the juxtaposition of mundane activities, like attending a Green Day concert or eating at 'chow chow sen,' with profound emotional distress. The mention of 'una piedra helada' (a cold stone) to describe the heart of the loved one underscores the emotional coldness and distance felt by the protagonist. The imagery of a drop falling from the ceiling and waking up to a 'tercera' (third) suggests a recurring cycle of disappointment and realization.

The song's bridge and final verses intensify the emotional conflict, with the protagonist oscillating between love and hate. The plea 'Quedate, no te vayas más' (Stay, don't leave anymore) reveals a desperate desire for stability and connection, despite the acknowledgment of the 'estúpido amor' (stupid love) that brings pain. The reference to the 'china moderna y tonta con mochila' (modern and silly Chinese girl with a backpack) eating at 'chow chow sen' adds a layer of cultural and personal identity confusion, reflecting the protagonist's struggle to find a sense of belonging and understanding in a world that feels upside down.

The song concludes with a mix of resignation and hope, as the protagonist continues to wait, embodying the universal human experience of longing and the search for meaning in relationships. 'Chow Chow Sen' is a poignant exploration of the highs and lows of love, identity, and the quest for emotional clarity in a chaotic world.