El Regreso de Mao

Patricio Rey y Sus Redonditos de Ricota, an iconic Argentine rock band, is known for their cryptic and metaphorical lyrics. "El Regreso de Mao" is no exception, weaving a surreal narrative that touches on cultural, political, and personal themes. The song's title, which translates to "The Return of Mao," immediately evokes the image of Mao Zedong, the Chinese revolutionary leader, suggesting a return to radical ideas or upheaval.

The lyrics are filled with vivid and often bizarre imagery. The mention of "el hijo de mao -el mao blanco-" (the son of Mao - the white Mao) could symbolize a new, perhaps diluted, version of revolutionary ideals. The reference to Chinese food causing discomfort and the subsequent death from "unas placas" (some plates) might be a metaphor for the clash of cultures or the consequences of adopting foreign ideologies without fully understanding them.

The recurring line "Con la granada ¡ay! entre las tetas... mi amor se arrastra y se espina allá arriba" (With the grenade, oh! between the breasts... my love crawls and gets pricked up there) adds a layer of personal struggle and sacrifice. This imagery could represent the pain and danger inherent in revolutionary actions or the personal cost of political turmoil. The song also touches on themes of identity and confusion, as seen in the lines about the "pobre nena rasgada de cutis blanco" (poor girl with slanted eyes and white skin) and the confusion between "soldado y bandido" (soldier and bandit).

The song's references to "calores dragones, dragones fríos" (hot dragons, cold dragons) and "China significa reino del medio" (China means the middle kingdom) further emphasize the cultural and political undertones. The mention of "Sendero luminoso" (Shining Path) could be a nod to the Peruvian Maoist guerrilla group, adding another layer of political commentary. Overall, "El Regreso de Mao" is a complex and multi-faceted song that uses surreal and metaphorical language to explore themes of revolution, cultural identity, and personal sacrifice.