El Colmo

The song 'El Colmo' by the Argentine rock band Babasónicos is a poetic exploration of the desire to escape from the pressures and expectations of life. The lyrics express a yearning to start anew, to erase everything that has been and to celebrate the possibility of waking up alone and content. The song's title, which translates to 'The Last Straw' or 'The Height of It' in English, suggests a tipping point or a moment of intense frustration that leads to a radical desire for change.

The repeated request to the song itself to 'take me far away where no one remembers me' reflects a deep longing for anonymity and the freedom that comes with it. The protagonist wants to become a mere whisper in a city where his identity is unknown, indicating a wish to shed his past and the roles he's been forced to play. This sentiment is further emphasized by the willingness to give up even his dreams to see the 'farce fail,' suggesting a disillusionment with the way life is structured and a rejection of societal norms.

The final verse introduces a new element to the protagonist's desire for transformation: the power to make women laugh, which he sees as a gift worth exchanging everything for. This could symbolize a wish for a simpler, more genuine connection with others, free from the complexities that currently weigh him down. The song ends with a plea to not become another unhappy person, reinforcing the theme of seeking happiness through a complete change of identity and environment.