La Cancion de Las Cigarras

Alberto Cortez's 'La Cancion de Las Cigarras' is a poignant exploration of the transition from childhood innocence to the often stifling conformity of adulthood. The song begins with a child, wide-eyed and curious, listening to the song of the cicadas. This natural, almost mystical sound represents the child's innate curiosity and wonder about the world. However, this curiosity is quickly stifled by the rigid demands of education and societal expectations. The repetition of mundane tasks, such as reciting multiplication tables and writing meaningless sentences, symbolizes the suppression of the child's natural inquisitiveness.

The lyrics then shift to the child's home life, where the same pattern of suppression continues. The child is bombarded with commands and prohibitions, from not crossing the street to not touching books. These restrictions are not just about safety or discipline; they represent a broader societal tendency to stifle individuality and creativity. The child is constantly told what not to do, leading to a sense of confusion and helplessness. The repeated refrain of the cicadas' song serves as a haunting reminder of the child's lost freedom and potential.

As the song progresses, it paints a bleak picture of the child's future. The once curious and innocent child grows up to become an adult who has traded freedom and hope for the security of a job and a home. The transformation is so subtle that the child-turned-adult barely notices it. The final twist is that the child, who once listened to the song of the cicadas, has now become one. This metaphor suggests that the adult has become just another voice in the monotonous chorus of societal conformity, losing the unique song they once had.