El Anticuario

Real de Catorce's song "El Anticuario" delves deep into the themes of solitude, inner conflict, and the struggle to find meaning in life. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person grappling with their own demons, symbolized by the 'ego demoniaco' and the 'cuarto subterraneo' where they seek to distance themselves from God. This underground room represents a place of isolation, where the protagonist confronts the 'cara finisima de mi soledad'—the fine face of their loneliness. The metaphor of an antiquarian, someone who collects and preserves old items, is used to describe how the protagonist guards their secrets in their heart, suggesting a deep-seated reluctance to reveal their true self.

The song also references Dante, likely alluding to Dante Alighieri's journey through Hell in "The Divine Comedy." This connection underscores the protagonist's own journey through a personal hell, searching for love and a reason to live, no matter how simple. The 'planta de luz' and 'ganas de ser' symbolize the protagonist's desire for enlightenment and existence, striving to find a purpose to avoid self-destruction. The recurring line 'con tal de no cortarme las venas' starkly highlights the severity of their inner turmoil and the desperate need for a lifeline.

Throughout the song, the protagonist oscillates between moments of intense emotional storms and periods of eerie calm. The 'dias huracanados' are welcomed, while 'dias tranquilos' are likened to an uninvited angel, suggesting that peace is unsettling for someone so accustomed to chaos. The imagery of placing a hand on a piano belonging to those who have departed evokes a sense of mourning and reflection on the past. The song concludes with a longing to return to a simpler time, to 'buscarme en el parque, donde me perdi,' indicating a desire to rediscover oneself and perhaps find solace in the innocence of the past.