Arbol Palmera

Babasónicos' song 'Arbol Palmera' is a vivid and surreal exploration of perception, nature, and the passage of time. The lyrics paint a dreamlike picture where the boundaries between reality and imagination blur. The opening lines describe a 'fine state of beauty' where the singer observes fields and people, likening them to actors in a comedy. This suggests a sense of detachment and a view of life as a series of performances, where individuals are like 'cowboys without action,' indicating a lack of genuine purpose or direction.

As the song progresses, the imagery becomes more fantastical. The transformation of a meadow into a lion or a cat with dreadlocks and leprosy highlights the fluidity of perception and the influence of the mind on how we interpret the world around us. The slow movement of shadows in the tropics and the lethargic air create a sense of languidness and heat, contributing to the hallucinatory atmosphere. The mention of a vulture and a 'quebrantahuesos' (bonebreaker) adds a darker, more ominous tone, suggesting themes of decay and the passage of time.

The chorus brings a sense of introspection, with the singer identifying with a palm tree, measuring time through its bark. This metaphor emphasizes the natural, cyclical aspect of time and the singer's connection to the environment. The reference to New Guinea and camels chewing tar introduces exotic and disparate elements, further enhancing the surreal quality of the song. The imagery of vapor clouds and the slow, deliberate pace of the song evoke a sense of being lost in a fever dream, where reality and fantasy intertwine seamlessly.