La Hiena

In 'La Hiena' by Los Pericos, the lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person who once had grand ambitions but has now fallen into a state of disillusionment and failure. The song opens with a reflection on missed potential, suggesting that the protagonist could have been much more than what they have become. The desire to be a king, a figure of power and reverence, is highlighted, but this ambition is ultimately portrayed as futile and misguided.

The metaphor of a lame horse ('tu caballito no va a galopar') is particularly striking, symbolizing the protagonist's stalled progress and the futility of their efforts. The imagery of murmuring in the shadows and looking up to the sky conveys a sense of desperation and hopelessness. The repeated assertion that 'de nada sirve tu ambición' (your ambition is useless) drives home the message that the protagonist's quest for power and pleasure has led to nothing but disappointment.

As the song progresses, it becomes clear that the protagonist's pursuit of pleasure and status has not only failed but has also led to a loss of respect and a sense of isolation. The line 'Más que rey sos un peón' (more than a king, you are a pawn) underscores the irony of their situation. The final lines suggest that the protagonist's actions have alienated them from others, as no one is willing to share in the spoils of what the 'hiena' (hyena) seeks. This metaphor of the hyena, often associated with scavenging and opportunism, further emphasizes the protagonist's fall from grace and the emptiness of their ambitions.