Navajas de Cartón
Medina Azahara
Cardboard Blades: A Metaphor for Inner Turmoil
Medina Azahara's song "Navajas de Cartón" delves into the depths of human suffering and emotional pain through vivid and haunting imagery. The opening lines paint a picture of a city engulfed in chaos, with a volcanic eruption symbolizing intense, uncontrollable emotions. The fire and the sea represent the dual forces of destruction and despair, while the hysterical screams echo the collective agony of those affected. This sets the stage for a narrative that explores the darker aspects of human experience.
The phrase "navajas de cartón" (cardboard blades) serves as a powerful metaphor throughout the song. Although cardboard is typically seen as harmless, in this context, it represents the deceptive nature of emotional wounds. These blades may not be physically sharp, but they cut deeply into the heart, causing irreparable damage. The repetition of the line "se hunden sin remedio" (they sink without remedy) emphasizes the inescapable and enduring nature of this pain. The imagery of misery living in a mansion and a body lying in a corner further underscores the themes of desolation and hopelessness.
The song also touches on themes of concealment and isolation. The darkness and the attempt to hide the "brillo del metal" (shine of the metal) suggest a struggle to mask inner turmoil and vulnerability. The metaphor of a horse galloping without reins in the darkness symbolizes a loss of control and direction, highlighting the sense of being lost and alone. Medina Azahara's evocative lyrics and melancholic tone invite listeners to reflect on their own emotional battles and the often unseen scars that shape their lives.