La Octava Maravilla
Massacre
The Eighth Wonder: A Tribute to Rock's Enduring Legacy
Massacre's song "La Octava Maravilla" delves into the profound impact and enduring legacy of rock music, which the band refers to as the 'eighth wonder of the world.' The lyrics open by highlighting the pervasive influence of rock, suggesting that it is a topic of widespread discussion in newspapers and magazines. This sets the stage for the song's central theme: the transformative power of rock music, which transcends geographical and cultural boundaries, reaching even the marginalized corners of Africa.
The song pays homage to the pioneers of rock, likening them to revered figures whose images are immortalized on stamps. Despite the genre's evolution and the fact that it no longer serves as an anthem of protest, such as during the Vietnam War, its essence remains potent and influential. The lyrics express a sense of nostalgia and personal connection to rock, describing it as a 'private labyrinth' and a 'wonder of the world.' This personal attachment underscores the emotional and spiritual refuge that rock music provides to its listeners.
The imagery of 'reptiles of the shaman' and 'sympathizing with Satan' evokes the rebellious and countercultural spirit often associated with rock. The mention of 'pistols as hollow dolls' suggests a critique of violence and perhaps a longing for the more innocent, albeit still rebellious, days of rock. The song also touches on themes of protection and liberation, with references to being protected by a cannon and the ease of escaping a supposedly fortified door. These metaphors convey a sense of empowerment and freedom that rock music imparts to its devotees, making it a sanctuary from the constraints of everyday life.