El Tiempo Es Dinero

Soda Stereo's song 'El Tiempo Es Dinero' delves into the themes of vanity, the passage of time, and the lengths to which people will go to maintain their youth and appearance. The song references Dorian Gray, a character from Oscar Wilde's novel 'The Picture of Dorian Gray,' who remains eternally young while his portrait ages and reflects his moral corruption. This allusion sets the stage for a critique of modern society's obsession with youth and beauty.

The lyrics describe Dorian Gray as someone who is always 'touching right there where you can't choose,' suggesting the invasive nature of societal pressures and the inevitable passage of time. The mention of 'polietileno' (polyethylene) and 'pornoshop' implies the use of artificial means to maintain youth, such as plastic surgery or other cosmetic enhancements. This critique is further emphasized by the line 'El tiempo es dinero' (Time is money), highlighting how people are willing to spend significant resources to defy aging.

The song also touches on the superficiality and emptiness that can accompany this pursuit of eternal youth. Lines like 'Si no andas despierta, se roba tu ropa interior' (If you're not awake, he steals your underwear) and 'Solo esa falta de amor' (Only that lack of love) suggest a loss of personal integrity and genuine connections in the quest for a youthful appearance. The repeated warnings to 'Cuidado con Dorian Grey' (Beware of Dorian Gray) serve as a cautionary message about the dangers of prioritizing appearance over substance.

Overall, 'El Tiempo Es Dinero' is a poignant commentary on the societal obsession with youth and beauty, using the metaphor of Dorian Gray to illustrate the moral and emotional costs of this pursuit.