39 Grados

Quique González's song '39 Grados' paints a vivid picture of a sweltering, deserted cityscape, capturing the essence of isolation and the oppressive heat of summer. The lyrics open with a sense of inevitability and return, suggesting that no matter how far one travels, they will always come back to the same mundane reality, symbolized by 'buzones llenos de propaganda' (mailboxes full of advertisements). This imagery sets the tone for a narrative steeped in monotony and the inescapable nature of everyday life.

The song continues to explore themes of stagnation and disillusionment. The line 'Otro verano de periódicos flacos y asesinatos en cadena' (Another summer of thin newspapers and chain murders) juxtaposes the triviality of daily news with the gravity of ongoing violence, highlighting a world where significant events are reduced to mere headlines. The mention of 'Tipos que saltan al telediario cansados de ser reservas' (Guys who jump on the news tired of being reserves) speaks to a desperation for recognition and a break from obscurity, further emphasizing the sense of societal malaise.

As the song progresses, the oppressive heat becomes a central metaphor. The city, described as 'un kiosco cerrado, un cementerio de coches abandonados' (a closed kiosk, a cemetery of abandoned cars), is lifeless and unwelcoming. The refrain 'No hay nadie que se atreva a salir' (No one dares to go out) underscores the paralyzing effect of the 39-degree heat, both literally and metaphorically. This intense heat symbolizes the stifling nature of the environment and the emotional weight carried by its inhabitants. The song concludes with a sense of unresolved escape, as 'una lolita escapó de casa' (a Lolita ran away from home), leaving no trace behind, embodying the desire to disappear and break free from the oppressive cycle.