The name Caifanes is derived from 1940’s Mexican Pachuco (zoot suiter) slang "Cai fan" , it’s equivalent in English would be something like, “cool dude.” The word has also been used to describe the proverbial Mexican Pachuco, delinquent, or outsider.
Early Years:
The seeds of what was to later become Caifanes was planted in 1984 in the band Las Insolitas Imágenes de Aurora (Aurora's Unusual Images), a band that included Saúl Hernández, Alfonso André and Alejandro Marcovich. According to Marcovich, this project started out as a side project for the purpose of performing as a party band for the filming of his brother’s Carlos film projects. (Carlos Marcovich went on to direct various videos for Caifanes).
At the time, both Hernández and Marcovich were playing in different bands. The members enjoyed the experience of playing in "Insolitas" and decided to continue. As the seriousness of the project grew, the band began to play in different spots in Mexico City like Rockotitlán, High Tower, and El Jabalí. In May of 1986, Insolitas recorded a live demo performed at Rockotitlán. By then the band had developed a strong cult following in Mexico City.
"Insólitas" broke up in 1986. Saúl and Alfonso reformed as Caifanes with bass player/producer Sabo Romo and Diego Herrera on keyboards and sax.
Caifanes’ first live show was April 11, 1987, in Rockotitlán. Expectations were high, the building was filled to capacity and many people were left outside. Their popularity began to grow throughout Mexico City. By late 1987 Caifanes had carved a niche for themselves as a dark contrast to the corporate pop/rock and light ballads that dominated Mexican radio and television during the 1980’s. At times the image and the sound were considered radical for a very conservative Mexican music industry. Between December 28, 1986 and January 3, 1987 Juan Aceves produced a four song demo for the band using "free" studio time at night at Arco Studio (where Aceves was chief engineer). The demo was showcased in independent radio program Espacio 59 (Space 59), a show that promoted up and coming rock bands. With the demo under their arms Caifanes approached CBS Mexico. According to sources, Caifanes’ were not treated nicely. The musical director at the time shunned them for dark new wave attire and said, “You look like fags.” At the time, Caifanes’ sound and look was influenced by British post-punk groups such as The Cure and The Jesus and Mary Chain. They dressed in black suits and sported frizzly hair and makeup. This was too radical for the Mexican CBS executives. Upon hearing the demo of “Sera Por Eso?” (Is It Because of That?), the CBS executive uttered these words, “At CBS, our business is to sell records, not coffins.”
Nevertheless, the movement of Rock en Español (Spanish rock) or rock en tu idioma (Rock in your language) was too strong to ignore by record execs. The flood of groups from Spain and Argentina forced Mexican labels to take a second look at up-and-coming Mexican bands. Caifanes received a big break when Ariola records invited them to open for Argentinean rocker Miguel Mateos’ Mexico City show. The show brought Cafaines to the attention of Miguel Mateos’ producer Oscar "Cachorro" Lopez. Oscar fell in love with the band and took them to the studio to record a demo. Lopez would be instrumental in their signing to RCA-Ariola and would go on to produce their first two albums.
Caifanes’ debut album, the self-titled Caifanes (also known as Mátenme Porque Me Muero, or Volumen I) was released in August 1988 by RCA-Ariola. The LP was preceded by an EP made up of three songs. This was in order to test the market. The immediate sale of 300,000 copies of the EP cemented the bands appeal. The first single “Mátenme Porque Me Muero” ("Kill Me Because I'm Dying") became a minor hit in Mexico City. With the release of their first album Caifanes became notable trendsetters in and around central Mexico. The first three singles garnered sufficient radio play. In December of 1988 Caifanes released a cover of Cuban folk singer Guillermo Rodriguez Fiffe’s classic tropical dance song, “La Negra Tomasa,” (Black Girl Tomasa) as a maxi Single es: La negra Tomasa. The song was a massive hit in Mexico and introduced Caifanes to a wider audience nationally and abroad.
Mexico’s Most Important Band:
By 1989 Caifanes had emerged as one of the hottest rock acts to come from central Mexico. In June Caifanes played two sold out shows at Mexico’s Auditorio Nacional (National Auditorium), a 10,000 person venue – a first for a Mexican rock band.
In late 1989 Caifanes began to record their second album in New York City. The record was produced by Oscar Lopez who was aided by Gustavo Santaolalla and Daniel Freiberg. El Diablito (The Little Devil) was released in July of 1990 through BMG Records. The most notable change for the band was the addition of former Insolitas guitarist Alejandro Marcovich. Marcovich’s textural guitar work considerably changed Caifanes’ sound and cemented the “classic” Mexican rock sound that Caifanes became famous for. “La Celula Que Explota” (The Exploding Cell), with its brushes of mariachi and bolero guitars and a crescendo of mariachi trumpets became both a signature of the band as well as a massive hit. Hernandez’ lyrics and somber vocals complemented Marcovich’s lyrical playing. The haunting “Sombras en Tiempos Perdidos” (Shadows in Times Lost) and the ethereal “De Noche Todos Los Gatos Son Pardos” (All Cats Are Dark at Night), give the album a most sublime imprint.
By this time Caifanes along with Maná, Fobia, Maldita Vecindad y los Hijos del Quinto Patio, La Lupita, and Cafe Tacuba helped to move Mexican Rock toward a wider audience and catapulted the Rock En Español movement of the 1990’s.
In 1992, Caifanes released El Silencio (The Silence). Recorded in Wisconsin and produced by the prolific guitarist Adrian Belew, of King Crimson fame, "El Silencio" further cemented the Caifanes sound and had and a more direct guitar driven sound. “No Dejes Que” (Don’t Let It...”), “Estás Dormida” (You’re Asleep), “Debajo de Tu Piel” (Under Your Skin), and the soaring “Nubes” (Clouds) would go on to become Mexican rock staples. The influence of Belew, who also played guitar on the album, was felt strongest in “Hasta Morir” (Until Death), “Tortuga” (Turtle), and “Vamos a Hacer un Silencio” (Lets Make a Silence). With its string of hits, its multi-ethnic hybrid of rock and traditional Mexican music, El Silencio is considered to be on of Caifanes’ best albums and one of the most influential records of the Rock En Español genre.
Caifanes toured extensively in support of the album. By this time, the group had started to make inroads into Central and South America as well as in the United States. In August of 1992 Caifanes sold out the Hollywood Palladium. In 1993 Caifanes became the first Mexican rock group to sell out Mexico City's Palacio de los Deportes (Sports Palace).
By late 1993 Caifanes became a three piece with the exit of Romo and Herrera. Federico Fong and Stuart Hamm filled in on bass and Yann Zaragoza played the keyboard. No one knew what to expect of Caifanes after the loss of two founding members. 1994’s El Nervio Del Volcán (The Volcano’s Nerve), released by BMG exceeded the expectations of both critics and fans alike. El Nervio showed Caifanes at the height of their power. With a heavier more progressive sound, "El Nervio" highlighted the musician’s virtuosity as well as their tight playing and arrangements. Signature elements, Marcovich’s staccato guitar work, Alfonso’s polyrythmic drumming and Hernandez’s brooding and haunting vocal style were even more prominent. “Afuera” the first single seamlessly fused distinct rock grooves with an ethnic inspired guitar solo. “Aquí no es así” (“It’s Not Like That Here”), and "Ayer Me Dijo Un Ave" (“A Bird Told Me Yesterday”) became radio favorites. “Aviéntame” (Throw Me), is as dynamic and powerful as the best American and British prog and alternative acts.
1994 was a stellar year for Caifanes, who were at the height of their popularity. Caifanes along with Maná was one of Mexico's premier stadium rock acts, selling out stadiums in Mexico and large venues throughout Latin America and the United States. At this time Caifanes had cemented their reputation as one of the most important Mexican rock bands of all time. They were a staple in Latin MTV, Rock en Español radio and appeared regularly at music festivals. In 1994, Caifanes opened up for The Rolling Stones in Mexico City and participated in Peter Gabriel's WOMAD festival.
Breakup:
1995 would mark the end of Caifanes. According to various sources, Hernández and Marcovich’s relationship was strained. On the 18th of August 1995 Caifanes played their final show in the Mexican city of San Luis Potosí. A legal scuffle over the name “Caifanes” ensued forcing Saúl Hernández to choose the name Jaguares (Jaguars) for his new project, which built on the legacy of Caifanes, as it was not too much of a radical departure of the Caifanes sound. Hernández was joined by former Caifanes and Insolitas drummer Alfonso André.
Reunion:
On December 14th, 2010, it was announced by Twitter that the band would be reuniting for the Vive Latino festival and the Coachella Festival of 2011, after a reconciliation between Hernández and Marcovich.
Some of Caifanes' Guest Musicians and Collaborators:
Chucho Merchán (bass), Federico Fong (bass), José Manuel Aguilera (guitar), Stuart Hamm (bass), Gustavo Cerati (guitar), Adrian Belew (guitar), Yann Zaragoza (keyboards), Cecilia Toussaint (backing vocals).
Studio Albums:
Caifanes or, (Mátenme Porque Me Muero / Volumen 1) (1988)
El Diablito or, Volumen 2 (1990)
El Silencio (1992)
El Nervio Del Volcán (1994)
Aquí No Pasa Nada
Caifanes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Liso y blanco
Sin doblar
Y fuimos hechos para andar
De par en par
Sin reclamar
Aquí no pasa nada
Que todo está guardado
Para que no le pase nada
Que esta tierra es de ciegos
Y que el tuerto está en el cielo
Para guardarlo todo
Y que aquí no pase nada
Somos sumisos y obedientes
Con ganas de gritar
Con ganas de matar
Pero hace tiempo que aquí
Nos educan
Para mentir
Hace tiempo me dijeron
Aquí no pasa nada
Que todo está guardado
Para que no le pase nada
Que esta tierra es de ciegos
Y que el tuerto está en el cielo
Para guardarlo todo
Y que aquí no pase nada
Hace tiempo me dijeron
Aquí no pasa nada
Que todo está guardado
Para que no le pase nada
Que esta tierra es de ciegos
Y que el tuerto está en el cielo
Para guardarlo todo
Y que aquí no pase nada
Hace tiempo
Que aquí no pasa nada
The lyrics to Caifanes's song "Aqui No Pasa Nada" can be interpreted as a commentary on societal and systemic issues within Mexico, as well as a call to action for individuals to resist the oppressive forces at play. The opening lines talk about how people were made to be smooth and blank, without any folds or creases, meant to walk through life without complaining or making waves. This can be seen as a reference to how conformity and complacency are often encouraged in society, and how people are often discouraged from speaking out or challenging the status quo.
The rest of the song talks about how people are taught to be submissive and obedient, even though they may have the urge to rebel and fight against the injustices they see around them. The repeated lines "que aquí no pasa nada" (which means "nothing happens here") can be seen as a criticism of those in power, who try to maintain the illusion of stability and order by suppressing any dissent or disobedience.
The lines "que esta tierra es de ciegos, y que el tuerto está en el cielo" (which means "this land is for the blind, and the one-eyed man is in heaven") can be interpreted as a metaphor for how those in power are able to manipulate people by keeping them in the dark, while they themselves have access to knowledge and resources that allow them to maintain their position of authority.
Overall, the song seems to be calling for people to wake up to the reality of their situation, and to resist the forces that seek to keep them complacent and ignorant.
Line by Line Meaning
Eramos todos de papel
We were all like paper, smooth and white, without any folds or creases.
Liso why blanco
Smooth and white, just like the color of paper.
Sin doblar
Without any creases or folds, just like a new sheet of paper.
why fuimos hechos para andar
We were made to walk, to move forward in life.
De par en par
Wide open, without barriers.
Sin reclamar
Without complaining or demanding, just accepting what comes.
hare tiempo me dijeron
Long ago, they told me.
Que aquí no pasa nada
That nothing happens here, implying that nothing bad can happen.
Que todo está guardado
That everything is being kept safe and sound, like under protection.
Para que no le pase nada
So that nothing untoward happens to anyone or anything.
Que esta tierra es de ciegos
That this land is blind to its own faults and lacks awareness of reality.
Why que el tuerto está en el cielo
And that the one-eyed is in the sky, supposedly watching over everything.
Para guardarlo todo
To guard everything and ensure nothing is lost.
Why que aquí no pase nada
And so that nothing happens or goes wrong.
Somos sumisos why obedientes
We are submissive and obedient, blindly following authority.
Con ganas de gritar
But deep down, we have the urge to scream out.
Con ganas de matar
And the desire to kill, possibly as a way to release our frustrations.
Pero hare tiempo que aquí
But for a long time here,
Nos educan
We are being taught.
Para mentir
To lie, to hide the truth and to accept the status quo.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Alfonso Hernandez Estrada
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
DIEGO FERNANDO ADAME LARA
Éramos todos de papel
Liso y blanco
Sin doblar
Y fuimos hechos para andar de par en
Par sin reclamar hace tiempo me dijeron
Aquí no pasa nada que todo está guardado para que no le pase nada que está tierra es de ciegos
Y que el tuerto está en el cielo para guardarlo todo
Y que aquí no pase nada.
Somos sumisos y obedientes con ganas de gritar con ganas de matar pero hace tiempo que aquí nos educan para mentir.
Hace tiempo me dijeron aquí no pasa nada que todo está guardado para que no le pase nada que está tierra es de ciegos y que el tuerto está en el cielo para guardarlo todo y que aquí no pase nada
Hace tiempo me dijeron aquí no pasa nada que todo está
Guardado para que no le pase nada que está tierra
Es de ciegos y que el tuerto está en el cielo para
Guardarlo todo y que aquí no pase nada.
Hace tiempo que aquí no pasa nadaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!!!
STFU
"QUE ESTA TIERRA ES DE CIEGOS, Y QUE EL TUERTO ESTÁ EN EL CIELO"
Es dificil tomar una frase que encaje con la actualidad porque en sí la canción describe la situación actual de nuestro país, pero esa es la frase que causa más impacto porque, así es México, lo vimos con Colosio, lo hemos visto con esas pobres mujeres, y lo hemos visto con esos pobres reporteros de profesión.
Dios tenga en su santa gloria a todos aquellos inocentes; mujeres, hombres, niñas y niños que han muerto a causa de los graves problemas de nuestro país. También pidamos por el eterno descanso de aquellos que han muerto haciendo su trabajo.
Pero bueno, según nuestro gobierno actual y los anteriores:
AQUÍ NO PASA NADA...
DIEGO FERNANDO ADAME LARA
Éramos todos de papel
Liso y blanco
Sin doblar
Y fuimos hechos para andar de par en
Par sin reclamar hace tiempo me dijeron
Aquí no pasa nada que todo está guardado para que no le pase nada que está tierra es de ciegos
Y que el tuerto está en el cielo para guardarlo todo
Y que aquí no pase nada.
Somos sumisos y obedientes con ganas de gritar con ganas de matar pero hace tiempo que aquí nos educan para mentir.
Hace tiempo me dijeron aquí no pasa nada que todo está guardado para que no le pase nada que está tierra es de ciegos y que el tuerto está en el cielo para guardarlo todo y que aquí no pase nada
Hace tiempo me dijeron aquí no pasa nada que todo está
Guardado para que no le pase nada que está tierra
Es de ciegos y que el tuerto está en el cielo para
Guardarlo todo y que aquí no pase nada.
Hace tiempo que aquí no pasa nadaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!!!
Brodes Talixto Caun
cHIDO GUANS, =).
Jose Gonzalez
Arriba mi Gente!!!
Cesar Martinez
Gracias👍🤪
Alexa García Pineda
Amo este album, los caifanes eran oscuros, melancólicos y tristes, me recuerdan sus rolas a mi adolescencia, que días aquellos donde sentía que este mundo era una mierda jajaja bueno eso aún lo sigo pensando 😈
Brodes Talixto Caun
@J Israel Van , OKAS, YA LES DIRÉ, =).
J Israel Van
@Brodes Talixto Caun claro. Vienen más temas, ya nos dirás
Brodes Talixto Caun
@J Israel Van , VARÍALE, BRO, RECUERDA QUE SEMOS OMNÍVOROS, X¡D/. aL MENOS ADERÉZALE CON LA bARRANCA Y ACOMPAÑA CON UNA COPA DE cOCTEAU tWINS, :V.
J Israel Van
@Brodes Talixto Caun nos inyectamos todos los días a través de los oídos la música de los caifanes
Brodes Talixto Caun
@J Israel Van , SE OYEN BIEN ESOS bÁRBAROS, =D¡ mANQUE SÍ SE INYECTARON MUCHO CAIFANISMOS, X'D/.