Resumen Porteño

Luis Alberto Spinetta's song 'Resumen Porteño' paints a vivid and melancholic picture of urban life, focusing on the struggles and disillusionments of three characters: Ricky, Agueda, and Cacho. Each character represents a different facet of societal and personal challenges, reflecting the broader context of life in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Ricky is depicted as a young man overwhelmed by his circumstances. The lyrics suggest he is mentally exhausted ('listo del bocho') and resorts to taking pills to cope. His detachment from reality is symbolized by his reliance on a Walkman and a bus ticket, indicating a desire to escape his current life. The repetitive mention of 'días, y días, y días' underscores a sense of monotony and hopelessness.

Agueda's story is one of perpetual struggle and exploitation. She dances and falls, both literally and metaphorically, unable to lose weight and trapped in a cycle of psychoanalysis that offers no real solutions. Her 'mejilla verde' (green cheek) could symbolize a physical or emotional scar, marking her as different and misunderstood. Despite her efforts to find happiness at concerts, she is repeatedly detained, likened to an angel caught in a hellish reality.

Cacho, on the other hand, is portrayed as someone who has given up on feeling altogether. His laughter is described as dead, and he finds solace in fishing, a solitary and meditative activity. The imagery of 'blancos peces en un nylon' (white fish on a nylon line) early in the morning evokes a haunting sense of emptiness and detachment from the world. The mention of floating bodies at this hour adds a dark, almost surreal layer to the narrative, hinting at the pervasive sense of despair.

Through these characters, Spinetta captures the essence of urban melancholy, highlighting the emotional and psychological toll of modern life. The song serves as a poignant commentary on the struggles faced by individuals in a rapidly changing and often unforgiving world.