Enterrador De Cementerios
Albert Pla
The Tragic Tale of a Social Misfit: 'Enterrador De Cementerios' by Albert Pla
Albert Pla's song 'Enterrador De Cementerios' is a dark and satirical narrative that delves into themes of social alienation, failed aspirations, and the cyclical nature of poverty. The protagonist, born into a life of hardship, inherits a scrapyard from his father, who advises him to find a good woman and continue the family legacy. This advice sets the stage for a series of misadventures as the protagonist attempts to fulfill his father's wishes.
The song's narrative is filled with vivid and often disturbing imagery, reflecting the protagonist's desperate search for a wife. His encounters with various women—a barmaid, a schoolgirl, and a widow—highlight his misguided and morally questionable attempts to find a partner. Each encounter ends in failure, underscoring the protagonist's deep-seated social ineptitude and the harsh realities of his world. The repeated refrain of 'chúpamela sólo a mí' (suck it only for me) serves as a crude metaphor for his desire for control and validation, which he never achieves.
Pla's lyrics also critique societal norms and the erosion of traditional values. The protagonist's lament about the loss of innocence and the materialistic nature of society reflects a broader disillusionment with modern life. His ultimate failure to marry and produce an heir symbolizes the end of his family's legacy and his own sense of worthlessness. The song concludes with the protagonist's realization of his own social maladjustment, encapsulated in the poignant line, 'Me has convertido en un inadaptado social' (You have turned me into a social misfit).
'Enterrador De Cementerios' is a powerful commentary on the struggles of the marginalized and the impact of societal expectations. Pla's use of dark humor and raw storytelling creates a compelling and thought-provoking piece that resonates with listeners on multiple levels.