Gente Detergente

Once Tiros' song 'Gente Detergente' delves into the struggles of modern life and the desire to transcend its mundanity. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a life saturated with stress and routine, where the protagonist feels overwhelmed by work, city life, and the constant chase for money. The imagery of 'lungs with ashes' and 'migraine' underscores the physical and mental toll of this lifestyle. However, amidst this chaos, the presence of a significant other provides a glimmer of hope and relief, as indicated by the lines 'the pain dilutes, I think it intuits that you are there for me.' This person becomes a beacon of light in an otherwise dark and oppressive environment.

The song also touches on the theme of dreams and aspirations being crushed by the weight of uncertainty and routine. The phrase 'dreams mutilated on a beam of uncertainty' captures the sense of lost potential and the oppressive nature of habitual life. Despite this, the protagonist finds solace in the presence of their partner, who brings a 'tempting glow' even when everything else seems bleak. This relationship offers a sense of escape and a brief respite from the relentless grind of daily life.

A recurring motif in the song is the desire to break free from the constraints of being 'just flesh and bones, pure nerves and brains.' The protagonist yearns to feel 'ethereal in essence, pure transparency,' free from the consequences of living among 'people with the smell of detergent.' This metaphor of 'detergent' people suggests a sanitized, artificial existence devoid of genuine human connection and authenticity. The song ultimately expresses a deep longing for a more meaningful and transcendent existence, one that rises above the superficiality and monotony of everyday life.