Cuentame Una Historia Original
Los Prisioneros
The Quest for Originality in a World of Shared Suffering
Los Prisioneros' song "Cuentame Una Historia Original" delves into the universal experience of suffering and the human desire to feel unique in one's pain. The song begins with a phone call from a friend who wants to meet and talk about her feelings of being overwhelmed. The narrator, anticipating the conversation, reflects on the commonality of such feelings, noting that everyone seems to be a victim in their own story. This sets the stage for a broader commentary on societal suffering.
As the narrator travels to meet his friend, he contemplates the pervasive unhappiness in families, where parents feel victimized, mothers are exploited, and siblings live in discontent. This imagery paints a picture of a community where emotional turmoil is the norm, and everyone believes their suffering is unparalleled. The repeated plea for an "original story" underscores the narrator's frustration with the repetitive nature of these complaints, suggesting that while everyone's pain is valid, it is also universally shared.
The song also touches on the loss of innocence, as the friend claims to have lost hers, yet the narrator gently challenges this notion, implying that she may not fully understand the complexities of life yet. The suggestion to buy chocolates instead of dwelling on their troubles adds a touch of irony and a call for simplicity in the face of overwhelming emotions. Ultimately, "Cuentame Una Historia Original" is a poignant reflection on the human condition, urging listeners to recognize the shared nature of suffering and to seek new perspectives and solutions rather than getting lost in a cycle of repetitive complaints.