El Gran Pez
Alejandro Balbis
The Magic of Storytelling in 'El Gran Pez'
Alejandro Balbis' song 'El Gran Pez' is a poetic exploration of the power of storytelling and the blurred lines between reality and fiction. The lyrics paint vivid images of a fantastical world, featuring characters like a dwarf and a giant in a traveling circus, a woman in a bubble, and a witch who can see death. These elements create a surreal atmosphere, suggesting that in the realm of stories, anything is possible, much like the 'great fish' in the river that symbolizes the boundless potential of imagination.
The recurring theme of 'living by telling stories' and 'coloring memory' highlights the importance of narratives in shaping our perception of the world. The 'old man' who captures everyone's attention represents the storyteller, whose tales bridge the gap between actual events and their embellished versions. This idea is reinforced by the line 'the distance between the stories and the events, no more, no less than a version,' emphasizing that stories are subjective interpretations rather than objective truths.
The song also touches on themes of love and inspiration, with references to 'yellow flowers' and 'love on its knees,' as well as a poet who has lost his muse. These elements add emotional depth to the narrative, illustrating how stories can encapsulate both the beauty and the struggles of life. Ultimately, 'El Gran Pez' celebrates the art of storytelling as a means of making sense of our experiences and connecting with others, even if the stories we tell are not entirely true.