Bajo El Volcán

“Bajo El Volcán” by Siniestro Total is a satirical and humorous take on the idea of visiting volcanoes as a form of leisure and adventure. The song uses vivid imagery and playful language to describe various volcanic sites around the world, turning potentially dangerous and catastrophic events into light-hearted excursions. The lyrics mention famous volcanoes like Kilimanjaro, Vesuvius, Teide, Krakatoa, Fuji-Yama, and Etna, each associated with quirky and absurd experiences.

The song opens with an invitation to go on an excursion to witness a volcanic eruption, suggesting a picnic-like atmosphere. This juxtaposition of a casual outing with the violent nature of a volcanic eruption sets the tone for the rest of the song. The mention of mundane items like a cafetera (coffee maker) and water near the crater adds to the absurdity, highlighting the band's satirical approach.

As the song progresses, it recounts various humorous and exaggerated incidents at different volcanoes. For instance, the line about dyeing hair blonde at Vesuvius only to be left bald by a flare-up is a comical exaggeration of the dangers posed by volcanic activity. The reference to dancing to ABBA amidst the lava further emphasizes the surreal and whimsical nature of the song. The mention of Krakatoa's explosion on the day of the narrator's wedding and the neuralgia it caused is another example of blending personal milestones with natural disasters in a humorous way.

The song concludes with a visit to Fuji-Yama, where the disappointment of the volcano being inactive is contrasted with the joy of evading taxes at Etna. This final twist underscores the band's irreverent and playful take on serious subjects, using humor to critique and entertain. Siniestro Total's punk rock style, known for its satirical and often politically charged lyrics, shines through in “Bajo El Volcán,” making it a memorable and thought-provoking piece.