Cheques
Luis Alberto Spinetta
The Cost of Superficial Love
The song "Cheques" by Luis Alberto Spinetta, an iconic Argentine musician known for his poetic lyrics and involvement in the rock en español movement, delves into the narrative of a superficial relationship driven by materialism and the allure of appearances. The lyrics tell the story of a chance encounter with a woman who captivates the protagonist with her electric presence on a night out. Her dance and the repetition of 'shake it, shake it, shake it, shake it baby' suggest a carefree, hedonistic attitude, emphasizing the physical and ephemeral nature of their interaction.
As the relationship progresses, the woman and her entourage move into the protagonist's luxurious mansion, hinting at a shift from an initial attraction to a more parasitic dynamic. The mention of 'narcogate' could imply a scandalous or illicit aspect to the woman's life, further complicating the protagonist's involvement with her. Despite the red flags, the protagonist seems almost entranced, caught up in the whirlwind of this high-society lifestyle.
In the end, the protagonist is left with nothing but a sense of absurdity and financial loss, symbolized by an 'absurdo secador' (absurd hairdryer) and the depletion of his wealth, including his BMW. The repeated line 'y yo lo que hago es garpar cheques' (and all I do is pay checks) serves as a bitter conclusion, reflecting the protagonist's realization that the relationship was transactional, with love replaced by the cold exchange of material goods. The song serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of valuing appearances over substance in relationships.