El Perro

Juana Molina's song "El Perro" delves into the everyday frustrations of dealing with a neighbor's incessantly barking dog. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the narrator's growing exasperation as the dog continues to bark through the window, disrupting their peace. The repetition of the phrase "No para" (He doesn't stop) emphasizes the relentless nature of the barking, which has become a significant source of irritation for the narrator.

The narrative takes a turn when the narrator decides to confront the dog's owner, only to be met with denial. The owner's claim that "El perro no ladra" (The dog doesn't bark) adds to the narrator's frustration, highlighting a common social issue where people are often dismissive of their neighbors' complaints. This interaction escalates the narrator's anger, leading them to take matters into their own hands. The use of strong language like "¡Calle ya a ese perro!" (Shut that dog up!) underscores the intensity of their emotions.

In a creative twist, the narrator records the dog's barking and plays it back at night, a clever yet passive-aggressive solution to their problem. This act of retaliation seems to work, as the dog eventually stops barking, and the owner starts taking the dog out more often. The resolution brings a sense of peace and satisfaction to the narrator, who no longer hears the dog's lament. The song ends on a lighter note, with the dog appearing content and the owner more attentive, suggesting that sometimes unconventional solutions can lead to unexpected harmony.