Mienten
Roque Narvaja
The Illusion of Truth: A Struggle for Survival
Roque Narvaja's song 'Mienten' delves deep into the disillusionment and harsh realities faced by individuals in a society filled with falsehoods. The recurring theme of 'mienten' (they lie) underscores the pervasive deceit that the narrator perceives in various aspects of life. From the seemingly bright sun to the hopeful future of a child, everything is tainted by a sense of betrayal and stagnation. The narrator feels trapped in a world where even the smiles of adolescents and the ambitions of suitors are mere facades, masking a deeper, more troubling truth.
The song also touches on the urgent and pressing issue of hunger, which haunts the narrator's community. The line 'el fantasma del hambre se aparece entre mi gente' (the ghost of hunger appears among my people) highlights the dire circumstances and the struggle for survival. Despite being born to work, the narrator finds himself without employment, a situation that exacerbates his sense of helplessness and frustration. This stark reality contrasts sharply with the lies and false promises that surround him, creating a poignant commentary on social and economic disparities.
In the latter part of the song, the narrator's personal anguish becomes more pronounced. He speaks of unfulfilled promises and the pain of potential loss, emphasizing the emotional toll of living in a world where deceit is rampant. The imagery of 'las cuatro puñaladas de esos cuatro delincuentes' (the four stabs from those four delinquents) symbolizes the multiple betrayals and hardships he has endured. The song concludes with a powerful statement about the rigged nature of life, where the narrator feels cheated and unable to rise above his circumstances. 'Mienten' is a raw and evocative portrayal of the struggles faced by those who are marginalized and deceived by the very fabric of their society.