Al Bando Vencido

Ismael Serrano's song "Al Bando Vencido" delves into the haunting memories of an old man who fought in a distant, unresolved battle. The lyrics paint a poignant picture of a man who is left with nothing but the remnants of his past, as the world around him seems to forget the sacrifices made. The song opens with the idea of memory being erased, leaving only a stain in history, while the rest of society suffers from collective amnesia. This sets the stage for the old man's recollections of a war that was never won, a battle that could have claimed his life.

The old man is depicted as someone who still believes he is in the trenches, fighting under a different flag. His conversations with forgotten ghosts and his solemn demeanor highlight the isolation and internal exile experienced by those who were defeated. The lyrics emphasize the lack of recognition and remembrance for those who lost, who built the tombs and mausoleums of misery and slaughter. The song questions how future battles can be won without acknowledging the sacrifices of those who came before, criticizing the silence imposed by those who signed pacts of silence.

As the song progresses, it becomes clear that the old man's war is not just a distant memory but a present reality. Despite being told that the explosions have ended, he sees Madrid as if it were still bombarded, with walls covered in writings against those he fought. The song concludes with the old man's stories fading away, leaving only a faint trace in his grandson's memory. This final image underscores the theme of forgotten sacrifices and the fleeting nature of memory, as the old man's battle, fought for the future generations, becomes just a faint blur in history.