Al Otro Lado del Pacífico
Melendi
Love and War: A Psychedelic Journey Across the Pacific
Melendi's song "Al Otro Lado del Pacífico" is a vivid narrative that intertwines the themes of love, war, and the counterculture movement of the 1960s. The song tells the story of a couple who meet at Woodstock, a historic music festival that epitomized the spirit of the era. The man believes in love, while the woman, a lieutenant's daughter, deserts her previous life to join him. Their relationship is described with metaphors like "acidic kisses" and "a cloud as the grass," evoking the psychedelic experiences and free-spirited nature of the time.
The backdrop of the Vietnam War is ever-present in the song, with references to the conflict and its impact on society. The line "Hendrix was the first to shoot" alludes to Jimi Hendrix's iconic performance at Woodstock, which is juxtaposed with the violence of the war. The couple sees themselves as "soldiers of love," contrasting their peaceful rebellion with the violent reality on the other side of the Pacific. The mention of Castaneda, a writer known for his works on shamanism and altered states of consciousness, further emphasizes their quest for a deeper, more meaningful existence.
The song also touches on the broader societal changes and the clash between different values. The couple's attire—bell-bottom pants, rock'n'roll dancing, and marijuana use—symbolizes their rejection of conventional norms. The repeated refrain about the whistling bullets across the Pacific serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing war, highlighting the contrast between their idealistic love and the harsh realities of the world. The final verses reflect on the different paths people take in life, whether dancing, playing with fire, or getting lost in the pursuit of money, suggesting an endless cycle of human behavior and choices.