Armengol

Els Amics de Les Arts' song "Armengol" paints a vivid and chaotic picture of a man named Armengol, whose life is marred by addiction and a series of unfortunate events. The lyrics are rich with Catalan colloquialisms and metaphors, creating a tapestry of imagery that reflects Armengol's tumultuous existence. The song begins with Armengol experiencing a painful day, both physically and emotionally, as he deals with the mundane yet painful reality of his life, symbolized by the 'ull de poll' (corn on his foot).

As the song progresses, we see Armengol's struggle with addiction, particularly to heroin, as indicated by the phrase 'mono de cavall' (heroin withdrawal). His mind is described as a 'guirigall' (a mess), highlighting the mental chaos that accompanies his addiction. The lyrics also depict his attempts to navigate through life without making mistakes ('avui no ficaré la pota'), but his efforts are often in vain. The imagery of animals, such as the 'gallina' (chicken) and 'mico' (monkey), further emphasizes his feelings of cowardice and desperation.

The song's narrative takes us through various surreal and almost absurd scenarios, such as Armengol encountering a 'goril·la amb tres lleones' (gorilla with three lionesses) and listening to a 'lluita de galls' (cockfight) on the radio. These scenes serve to illustrate the disjointed and erratic nature of his life. The recurring theme of regret is evident in the mention of a letter he never sent, symbolizing missed opportunities and the consequences of his actions. The song ends on a note of continued chaos, with Armengol's life remaining a whirlwind of addiction and confusion, as he 'es torna mico per un bon pico' (turns into a monkey for a good fix).