El Tango Egoista

El Tango Egoista by Team O.B.N.N is a haunting exploration of faith, despair, and the human condition. The song's title, which translates to 'The Selfish Tango,' sets the stage for a narrative that intertwines religious imagery with a critique of divine indifference. The lyrics are rich with metaphors and cultural references, creating a tapestry of emotions that range from sorrow to defiance.

The song opens with a plea for forgiveness and understanding, juxtaposed with a sense of futility. The lines 'ルージュのきみよりゆうもあろう / おもとによるこのみはパストル' suggest a longing for something more profound than superficial beauty or temporary solace. The repeated invocation of 'ゆるし たまえと' (forgive me) and 'むくいたまえ？めぐみたまえ' (reward me? bless me) highlights the struggle between seeking divine grace and confronting the harsh realities of life.

As the song progresses, it delves deeper into the theme of divine selfishness. The phrase 'かみはエゴイスタ' (God is an egoist) is a bold statement that challenges traditional notions of a benevolent deity. This sentiment is further emphasized by the depiction of a world where 'しとはこえどみんはうえて / こわれてもういいじゃない' (people cry out, but the masses starve / it's okay if everything breaks). The song paints a bleak picture of a world abandoned by its creator, where faith is questioned, and salvation seems elusive.

The climax of the song brings a sense of resignation and defiance. The lines 'し こそすくい きよきいのち / かたるのをゆるされるのは / やみのなかみつたどり / いきたものだけ' (death is salvation, pure life / only those who navigate the darkness / are allowed to speak) suggest that true understanding and redemption come from embracing the darkness and surviving it. The song ends with a challenge to the divine: 'すくえるなどいうのなら / だったらすくいたまえよ' (if you say you can save, then save me). This final plea encapsulates the song's core message—a dance between faith and despair, where the divine and the human are locked in a tango of selfishness and longing.