Zafar

La Vela Puerca, a band known for its blend of rock, ska, and reggae, often infuses its music with social and political commentary. The song 'Zafar' is no exception, as it delves into the experience of living in a city that is both vibrant and suffocating. The lyrics paint a picture of urban life, with its noise, pollution, and the toll it takes on its inhabitants. The song's title, 'Zafar,' is a Spanish slang term that means to escape or to get away, which is a central theme of the song.

The opening lines introduce the listener to the city's environment, highlighting the aging effect of its hustle and bustle. The mention of 'consuming old age' and 'growing like another piece of coal' suggests a sense of weariness and the dehumanizing aspect of city life. The protagonist refuses to accept the loss of hope and lucidity among the people, indicating a desire for change and resilience in the face of adversity. The chorus, with its repeated lines 'Me voy, volando por ahí' (I'm leaving, flying around) and 'Y estoy, zafando del olor' (And I am, escaping the smell), reinforces the longing for freedom and the need to break away from the city's oppressive atmosphere.

The second verse introduces a contrast between those who have become jaded by the city and those who still appreciate its value. The song suggests that there is a way to navigate urban life without succumbing to its negative aspects, such as pollution ('respirar hollín') and sadness ('llorar alquitrán'). The idea of walking naked to 'feel better' metaphorically speaks to shedding the burdens and artificial constraints of city life to find a more authentic existence. Overall, 'Zafar' is a call to maintain one's individuality and hope amidst the challenges of urban living, and to seek out spaces of freedom and purity, even if it means having to escape the city's grasp.