Formidable

Babasónicos' song 'Formidable' delves into themes of power, freedom, and the illusions that often accompany them. The opening lines set a scene where a bull, symbolizing strength and authority, lies by the roadside, undisturbed and unchallenged. This imagery suggests a false sense of power, as no one dares to wake the bull and confront its delusion of being a king. The narrator, despite claiming not to fear the bull and playing by his own rules, admits to being a slave within the bull's dream, highlighting the paradox of perceived freedom versus actual subjugation.

The recurring line, 'Cada vez que me acuerdo me río de vos' (Every time I remember, I laugh at you), underscores a sense of mockery and disillusionment. The narrator reflects on their own position in the world, feeling ownerless and wandering without a master. This lack of belonging and direction contrasts sharply with the bull's false sense of grandeur. The laughter directed at the bull signifies a recognition of the absurdity of both their situations—one trapped in delusions of power, the other in a state of aimless freedom.

In the latter part of the song, the focus shifts to the center of desire, where a familiar impostor creates a tableau of illusions. One of these illusions tempts the narrator to be bold and indecent, leading to a downward spiral as they watch someone else soar. The narrator's decision to remain silent, despite the urge to speak out, reflects a deeper understanding of the futility of their actions. The song concludes with a poignant reflection on memory and its merciless nature, as the narrator's recollections bring both laughter and pain, revealing the complex interplay between power, freedom, and the illusions that bind them.