Roxana Porchelana
Patricio Rey y Sus Redonditos de Ricota
The Enigmatic Tale of Roxana Porchelana
The song "Roxana Porchelana" by Patricio Rey y Sus Redonditos de Ricota, an iconic Argentine rock band, is a narrative that seems to revolve around a character named Roxana. The lyrics paint a picture of a woman who appears to be a public figure, possibly a celebrity, caught in the midst of scandal and the invasive nature of the media. The mention of 'el panel de video' suggests that Roxana's life is under constant scrutiny, displayed for all to see, reminiscent of the way television and tabloids expose individuals to the public eye.
The song's chorus, 'Dicen que el crimen no paga,' which translates to 'They say that crime does not pay,' could be interpreted metaphorically, suggesting that the 'crime' here is the invasion of Roxana's privacy or perhaps her own misdeeds that have led to public spectacle. The phrase 'ese empalagoso show' (that cloying show) and 'esos retazos gratuitos' (those free scraps) might refer to the sensationalism and gratuitous nature of media coverage. The song seems to critique the way society consumes the personal tragedies and downfalls of individuals as entertainment.
The imagery of Roxana being 'radioactiva' after a risky interview and the reference to Dr. Jekyll's divine little mouse could symbolize the transformation or contamination of her image due to media exposure. The song weaves a complex story of voyeurism, the consequences of fame, and the dehumanizing effects of being a public spectacle. It's a commentary on the voyeuristic culture that thrives on the misfortunes of others, often forgetting the human element behind the stories.