La Naranja No Es Mecánica
Los Nikis
The End of Ultraviolence: A Reflection on Change in 'La Naranja No Es Mecánica'
Los Nikis' song 'La Naranja No Es Mecánica' is a fascinating commentary on change and the passage of time, drawing heavily from the cultural and literary references of Anthony Burgess' novel 'A Clockwork Orange' and its film adaptation by Stanley Kubrick. The title itself is a play on the Spanish translation of the novel's title, 'La Naranja Mecánica,' suggesting a departure from the themes of the original work.
The lyrics address Alex, the protagonist of 'A Clockwork Orange,' and reflect on how much things have changed since his time. The repeated lines 'Todo ha cambiado mucho' (Everything has changed a lot) emphasize the transformation of society. The song mentions that the violent and rebellious behaviors that Alex once engaged in are no longer in vogue, and even the music of Ludwig van Beethoven, which Alex adored, is no longer popular. This shift signifies a broader cultural change where the once-celebrated chaos and anarchy have been replaced by a more peaceful and orderly society.
The song also touches on the theme of obsolescence and the inevitability of change. The lines 'Ya no hay más Moloko' (There is no more Moloko) and 'La ultraviolencia siempre acaba mal' (Ultraviolence always ends badly) suggest that the era of ultraviolence and the associated lifestyle have come to an end. The reference to Moloko, a drug-laced milk drink from the novel, symbolizes the end of a certain way of life. The song urges Alex to let go of the past and allow the world to move on, highlighting the futility of clinging to outdated modes of rebellion.
'La Naranja No Es Mecánica' serves as a poignant reminder of the transient nature of cultural trends and the importance of adapting to change. It reflects on the consequences of violence and the societal shift towards peace, urging listeners to embrace the present and leave behind the destructive behaviors of the past.