De Mayor
Enrique Bunbury
Rediscovering Innocence: The Journey of Growing Up in 'De Mayor'
Enrique Bunbury's song 'De Mayor' delves into the complexities of growing up and the loss of innocence that often accompanies it. The lyrics reflect a poignant journey from childhood to adulthood, marked by disillusionment and the realization of societal expectations. Bunbury begins by lamenting how, as a child, he was taught to lose his innocence 'drop by drop,' a process he deems foolish. This sentiment is echoed as he grows older and learns to use lies as a shield, further highlighting the absurdity of these learned behaviors.
The chorus of the song presents a powerful contrast: as a child, he was taught to aspire to adulthood, but as an adult, he wishes to reclaim the simplicity and innocence of childhood. This reversal underscores a longing for a time when mistakes were more easily forgiven and life was less complicated. The repetition of this theme emphasizes the cyclical nature of life and the continuous struggle to balance innocence and experience.
Bunbury also touches on the theme of deception and the inevitable disillusionment that comes with it. He describes being trapped in a 'labyrinth of deceit' and escaping with 'wings of wax,' a clear reference to the Greek myth of Icarus. This metaphor suggests that while he may have temporarily escaped the trappings of deceit, the journey is fraught with peril and the risk of falling. Ultimately, Bunbury's 'De Mayor' is a reflective piece that explores the bittersweet nature of growing up, the loss of innocence, and the desire to return to a simpler, more forgiving time.