Piensan
Los Suaves
The Duality of Perception and Reality in 'Piensan' by Los Suaves
Los Suaves' song 'Piensan' delves into the complex interplay between how others perceive us and our internal realities. The lyrics reveal a protagonist who is acutely aware of the misconceptions others hold about him. They think he's crazy, wealthy, or even evil, but he counters these assumptions with his own truths: he feels sane, poor, and fearful. This dichotomy between external perception and internal reality is a central theme, highlighting the often inaccurate judgments people make based on superficial observations.
The song also explores themes of existential angst and the search for meaning. The protagonist admits to selling lies and never making his own decisions, suggesting a life led by external forces or perhaps a metaphorical 'devil.' This sense of lost agency and unfulfilled searching is poignantly captured in the line, 'Un agujero negro escondido llevo dentro de mí' (A hidden black hole I carry inside me). This metaphor of a black hole signifies a deep, consuming emptiness that contrasts sharply with the vibrant, albeit complex, nature of life.
Despite the bleakness, the song offers a nuanced view of life as both beautiful and sad. The protagonist grapples with whether to let life carry him along or to continue chasing dreams. The lyrics suggest that life is not easily categorized into simple colors like black, white, or gray, but rather it takes on the 'color of time,' a poetic way of saying that life is shaped by our experiences and perceptions over time. This philosophical musing adds depth to the song, making it a reflective piece on the human condition and the struggle to find one's path amidst societal expectations and personal doubts.