Quinto Piso

Ricardo Arjona's 'Quinto Piso' paints a vivid picture of urban life and the existential questions that arise within it. The song's title, which translates to 'Fifth Floor,' suggests a vantage point from which the narrator observes the world, both literally and metaphorically. The lyrics juxtapose elements of the mundane, such as bread and neon lights, with a sense of emotional detachment, as the narrator admits an inability to smile. This sets the tone for a reflection on the isolation and artificiality that can pervade city living.

Arjona uses imagery like the television as a 'revolver' and the neighbor as a 'cannibal' to critique the violence and self-destructiveness of modern society. The mention of people on the streets 'disguising their bitterness' and the formation of 'unions' by Fridays against the monotony of Mondays further illustrates a collective discontent. The song delves into the search for meaning and happiness in a world where quick fixes, like 'novel gods' and pills, are peddled as solutions to deeper issues of the soul. The repeated questioning of who might be watching 'from up there' and the thirst for more despite the abundance of 'rivers' suggests a spiritual yearning and a critique of the relentless pace of contemporary life.

Through 'Quinto Piso,' Arjona offers a social commentary on the emptiness that can accompany urban existence, the commodification of spirituality, and the human condition's search for genuine connection and purpose. The song resonates with listeners who may feel lost in the vastness of the modern world, questioning the structures and values that are supposed to bring fulfillment.