La Corrida

Francis Cabrel's 'La Corrida' is a poignant song that delves into the controversial subject of bullfighting, using the perspective of the bull to critique the spectacle and question the humanity of such traditions. The song begins with the bull waiting in the dark, hearing the festivities outside, before being thrust into the arena. The lyrics convey the bull's initial confusion and its gradual realization of the situation's hopelessness. The repeated line 'Est-ce que ce monde est sérieux?' which translates to 'Is this world serious?', echoes the bull's bewilderment and condemnation of the revelry surrounding its impending death.

The song's narrative structure allows listeners to empathize with the bull, challenging the glorification of bullfighting as a cultural tradition. Cabrel's use of vivid imagery, such as the bull's desire to fight back against the 'puppets' with 'paper costumes', symbolizes the artificiality and cruelty of the event. The bull's longing for the sand and memories of Andalusia before its death is a powerful metaphor for a return to nature and peace, contrasting sharply with the violence of the arena.

'La Corrida' is not just a song about bullfighting; it's a broader commentary on society's desensitization to violence and the spectacle made of suffering. The bull's perspective serves as a vehicle for Cabrel to question the values of a world that finds entertainment in death and pain. The haunting refrain questioning the seriousness of the world resonates as a call for reflection on our collective morality and the traditions we uphold.