Pájaros En La Cabeza

Ismael Serrano's song 'Pájaros En La Cabeza' is a poignant exploration of the tension between dreams and reality. The lyrics tell the story of a dreamer, someone who is constantly lost in his imagination, envisioning himself as an astronaut, surrounded by fantastical images of ships, dolphins, and comets. This dreamer is often reprimanded for not being present in the mundane reality of school and home, where his mother and the television represent the ordinary, unremarkable aspects of life. The phrase 'pájaros en la cabeza' (birds in the head) symbolizes his whimsical and imaginative nature, which is at odds with the expectations of those around him.

As the dreamer grows older, he continues to escape into his dreams, even in the confines of a monotonous office job. His mother’s persistent question, '¿Cuándo sentarás la cabeza?' (When will you settle down?), underscores the societal pressure to conform and abandon one's dreams. Despite this, he remains steadfast in his imaginative pursuits, dreaming of better worlds, love, and freedom. The imagery of 'claveles en los fusiles' (carnations in rifles) and 'barcos que sueltan amarras' (ships that cast off their moorings) evokes a longing for peace and liberation.

The climax of the song occurs when the dreamer climbs to the top of Torre España, seeking solace in the sky. His disappearance is shrouded in mystery, with no one witnessing his departure. The final verses suggest that he has found freedom in his dreams, as letters and postcards arrive, symbolizing the remnants of his imaginative spirit. The recurring chorus, 'Pájaros en la cabeza y volar,' reinforces the theme of escaping to a place where dreams are unbounded and life is lived fully.

Serrano's song is a tribute to the dreamers who refuse to let go of their imagination, despite the pressures of reality. It speaks to the universal desire for freedom and the pursuit of a life that transcends the ordinary.