Como Que No
Onda Vaga
The Struggle and Hope of Youth in 'Como Que No'
The song 'Como Que No' by Onda Vaga paints a vivid picture of the lives of young people on the fringes of society. The Argentine band, known for their fusion of cumbia, reggae, and rock, often touches on social themes in their music, and this song is no exception. The lyrics describe a group of youths ('Los pibes') who hang out on street corners, seemingly forgotten by society and even by God, as they are not rescued from their 'sins'. The imagery of the kids being 'drawn' on the corner suggests a sense of stillness and lack of progress in their lives.
The second verse delves into the daily struggles of these youths, who are caught in a cycle of pain ('Entran y salen las penas') that stems from their 'childlike hearts'. Despite the hardships, they show resilience ('valentía') by surviving day to day. The reference to 'una noche sin luna' (a moonless night) getting lost in their lighter could symbolize the loss of hope or direction in the darkness of their circumstances. Yet, there is an underlying sense of optimism as the song mentions the beauty of the sky and sea, suggesting that there is still beauty and potential in the world around them.
The final verse introduces a girl of spring ('niña de la primavera'), who is asked to water the narrator's patio with love. This could be a metaphor for renewal and the nurturing of hope and dreams ('Tu locura y tu ilusión'). The repetition of the phrase 'Porque tiene mucho cielo y mucho mar' reinforces the idea that despite the challenges faced by these youths, there is a vastness and depth to life that holds promise. The song's title, 'Como Que No', which can be translated to 'How is it not?', challenges the listener to recognize and affirm the existence and struggles of these young people.