El Colmo
Babasónicos
The Escape into Anonymity: Babasónicos' 'El Colmo'
Babasónicos' song 'El Colmo' delves into themes of escapism and the desire for anonymity. The lyrics express a yearning to break away from the pressures and expectations of life, as the narrator seeks to 'cheat death' and start anew. The repeated plea to be taken far away to a place where no one recognizes them underscores a deep longing for a fresh start, free from the burdens of their current existence.
The song's chorus, which implores a song to carry the narrator away to a place where they can become an unnoticed murmur in an unknown city, suggests a wish to dissolve into the background, to become invisible and unburdened by identity. This desire for obscurity is contrasted with the world that demands conformity and accountability, as indicated by the line 'Y pediremos que mañana nadie venga a hacerme cumplir,' which translates to 'And we will ask that tomorrow no one comes to make me comply.'
The final verse introduces a twist, revealing a longing for the 'gift' that makes women laugh, hinting at a desire for connection or perhaps a romantic relationship. This adds a layer of complexity to the song, as it juxtaposes the wish for isolation with the human need for companionship and acceptance. Babasónicos, known for their eclectic style and introspective lyrics, captures the paradox of wanting to escape the self while simultaneously seeking the very human experience of love and laughter.