Dissimulat

Els Pets' song "Dissimulat" tells a poignant story of unspoken love and missed opportunities. The narrative begins with a vivid memory of the protagonist meeting their love interest on a gray afternoon, a moment so impactful that it caused them to miss an easy goal in a soccer game. The imagery of the love interest with a dirty school uniform and bangs sets a nostalgic tone, highlighting the innocence and simplicity of childhood crushes. This initial encounter marks the beginning of a secret affection that the protagonist carries silently, unable to muster the courage to express their feelings.

The song continues to explore the protagonist's silent admiration, describing how they would arrive punctually at the bus stop every morning just to catch a glimpse of their crush. Despite their strong desire to speak, they remain paralyzed by shyness. The protagonist even goes as far as dating a neighbor, not out of genuine interest, but as a means to stay close to their true love. This act of dissimulation underscores the depth of their feelings and the lengths they are willing to go to maintain a connection, however indirect.

In a twist of fate, the protagonist encounters their old crush years later at a supermarket. The passage of time is evident, yet some things remain unchanged, like the crush's bangs. The protagonist notices the crush's shopping cart filled with pork sausages, a detail that symbolizes the mundane reality of life. Despite the chance meeting, the protagonist chooses to remain unnoticed, reflecting on how perhaps it was for the best that they never spoke. The song concludes with a bittersweet acknowledgment that some loves are meant to remain unspoken, encapsulating the essence of dissimulated affection and the what-ifs of life.