En la Cripta

Los Prisioneros, a renowned Chilean rock band, are known for their provocative and often politically charged lyrics. However, 'En la Cripta' takes a different turn, delving into the macabre and unsettling. The song's narrative centers around a character who is unable to sleep and becomes fixated on the memory of 'tia Filomena,' who lies in a crypt. The lyrics describe the character's morbid excitement and physical reactions as they imagine the decaying body of their aunt.

The song employs vivid and grotesque imagery, such as 'a femur with pieces of carrion' and 'organs in decomposition,' to evoke a sense of horror and fascination with death. This fascination is not just a passive observation but an active engagement, as the character digs ('cavo, cavo y cavo voy') to reach the crypt. The repeated references to excitement and trembling suggest a disturbing blend of fear and arousal, highlighting the character's complex and twisted emotions.

Culturally, 'En la Cripta' can be seen as a commentary on the taboo nature of death and the human tendency to be both repelled and intrigued by it. The song's dark humor and shocking content challenge listeners to confront their own feelings about mortality and decay. Los Prisioneros use this morbid fascination to create a narrative that is both unsettling and thought-provoking, pushing the boundaries of conventional rock music themes.

The chorus, 'En la cripta fui feliz,' repeated with variations, adds a layer of irony and dark humor. It suggests that the character finds a perverse sense of happiness or fulfillment in the crypt, a place typically associated with death and sorrow. This juxtaposition of happiness and morbidity underscores the song's exploration of the darker aspects of human nature and the complexities of our relationship with death.