Llueve En Agosto de 1981

Noel Nicola's 'Llueve En Agosto de 1981' is a poignant and evocative song that uses the metaphor of rain to explore themes of despair, political turmoil, and personal anguish. The song opens with a lament about the rain, which not only disrupts the protagonist's plans but also serves as a painful reminder of a loved one. The repeated phrase 'Maldita lluvia' (damned rain) underscores the frustration and helplessness felt by the narrator, as the rain becomes a symbol of everything that is wrong in their world.

As the song progresses, the rain's impact becomes more profound and destructive. The imagery of a sparrow losing its wings and the walls of the house crumbling under the weight of the rain paints a vivid picture of decay and hopelessness. The 'mundo buitre' (vulture world) that perches on the narrator's back represents the oppressive forces of anti-life, anti-love, and anti-truth, further deepening the sense of despair. This metaphorical rain not only affects the physical world but also corrodes the narrator's spirit, turning their perception of the world into one of stark black and white.

Nicola's lyrics also delve into broader socio-political issues, referencing historical and contemporary events that have left deep scars on humanity. The mention of 'un cono sur, cruz retorcida, cruz gamada' (a twisted cross, swastika) and 'un apartheid' highlights the atrocities and betrayals that have plagued societies. The song also touches on the struggles in Poland, El Salvador, and Guatemala, painting a grim picture of a world in turmoil. The rain, now described as venomous, symbolizes the pervasive and inescapable nature of these global issues, leaving the narrator feeling trapped and voiceless, with a 'canción atravesada en la garganta' (a song stuck in the throat) and a soul shattered by the weight of it all.