Por Matar a Un Gato
El Kanka
Embracing Individuality: The Defiant Spirit of 'Por Matar a Un Gato'
El Kanka's song 'Por Matar a Un Gato' is a vibrant anthem of individuality and defiance against societal norms. The lyrics paint a picture of a person who is constantly judged and labeled by others for their unconventional behavior. The repeated phrases like 'me llaman bala perdida' (they call me a lost bullet) and 'me llaman el desalma'o' (they call me soulless) highlight the protagonist's detachment from societal expectations and their refusal to conform. This character is portrayed as someone who is free-spirited, unbothered by the opinions of others, and unapologetically themselves.
The chorus, 'Por matar a un gato me llamaron matón, por soñar despierto me dijeron loco, y por no escuchar lo que decían me llamaron sordo' (For killing a cat they called me a thug, for daydreaming they called me crazy, and for not listening to what they said they called me deaf), serves as a powerful metaphor for the arbitrary and often harsh judgments people face when they deviate from the norm. The 'killing a cat' metaphor could symbolize a minor transgression blown out of proportion, while 'daydreaming' and 'not listening' represent the protagonist's pursuit of personal dreams and selective hearing towards negativity.
El Kanka's musical style, which blends folk, flamenco, and pop, adds a layer of authenticity and relatability to the song. His use of colloquial language and playful tone makes the message more accessible and engaging. The song ultimately encourages listeners to embrace their true selves and disregard the labels imposed by society. It is a celebration of individuality, resilience, and the courage to live life on one's own terms.
The final verses, 'Que a mí no me importa más lo que dice la gente' (I don't care anymore what people say) and 'Y si quieres que responda llámame por mi nombre' (And if you want me to respond, call me by my name), reinforce the theme of self-acceptance and the importance of personal identity. The protagonist's journey from being labeled and judged to embracing their identity is a powerful reminder of the strength found in self-awareness and authenticity.