Shoping - Disco - Zen

Patricio Rey y Sus Redonditos de Ricota, a seminal Argentine rock band, often delved into themes of societal critique and existential musings. In their song 'Shoping - Disco - Zen,' they explore the superficiality and emptiness of modern consumer culture. The lyrics juxtapose the allure of beauty and happiness with the hollow reality of a life centered around materialism and appearances.

The song opens with a stark statement: 'La belleza es lo que te da la felicidad' (Beauty is what gives you happiness). This line sets the tone for the critique of a society that equates beauty with worth and happiness. The repeated reference to 'Shoping - Disco - Zen' symbolizes a superficial lifestyle focused on consumerism, nightlife, and a false sense of tranquility. The phrase 'tu belleza es de Shoping - Disco - Zen' (your beauty is from Shoping - Disco - Zen) underscores the idea that such beauty is artificial and devoid of deeper meaning.

The lyrics also highlight the self-destructive nature of this lifestyle. Lines like 'con tu propia lengua te estrangulás' (you strangle yourself with your own tongue) and 'das un paso más y sos carne muerta' (take one more step and you're dead meat) suggest that the pursuit of superficial beauty and materialism leads to one's downfall. The song uses vivid metaphors and stark imagery to convey the dangers of losing oneself in a shallow, consumer-driven world.

The song's critique extends to the societal pressure to conform and the emptiness of such conformity. The line 'una coctelera no es una maraca, gil' (a cocktail shaker is not a maraca, fool) serves as a reminder to recognize the difference between genuine and fake, urging listeners to seek authenticity in a world obsessed with appearances.