Mal de Parkinson

Los Prisioneros' song 'Mal de Parkinson' is a fascinating exploration of the interplay between illness and rhythm, using the metaphor of Parkinson's disease to convey a deeper, more complex emotional landscape. The lyrics repeatedly mention 'Parkinson' and describe it as a 'rhythm' that makes the narrator 'vibrate.' This suggests a duality where the disease, typically associated with uncontrollable shaking and loss of motor control, is paradoxically portrayed as something that brings a kind of perverse vitality or energy to the narrator's life.

The song's chorus, 'Parkinson, Parkinson, como una vaharada de mil tumbas,' translates to 'like a breath from a thousand graves,' adding a gothic, almost macabre layer to the narrative. This imagery evokes a sense of impending doom and decay, yet it is juxtaposed with the idea of a 'vampire' knocking at the door, a figure often associated with both death and eternal life. This duality could symbolize the struggle between life and death, health and illness, and the thin line that separates them.

Los Prisioneros, known for their socially and politically charged music, might also be using this metaphor to comment on broader societal issues. The 'rhythm' of Parkinson's could be seen as a metaphor for the uncontrollable forces in society that make people 'vibrate' or react in ways they cannot control. The song's repetitive structure and haunting melody reinforce this sense of inescapable, cyclical struggle, making 'Mal de Parkinson' a poignant reflection on the human condition and the forces that shape our lives.