Como El Cangrejo

Ivan Noble's song 'Como El Cangrejo' delves into the emotional turmoil of a man grappling with the remnants of a past love. The title, which translates to 'Like the Crab,' is a metaphor for moving backward, reflecting the protagonist's struggle to move on from a relationship that continues to haunt him. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a man drowning his sorrows in tequila, reminiscing about the love that slipped through his fingers on a dreary afternoon.

The song's narrative is rich with imagery and metaphors, such as 'las caricias mal rimadas' (poorly rhymed caresses) and 'masticando sueños' (chewing dreams), which convey the protagonist's sense of loss and disillusionment. The line 'voy para atrás como el cangrejo' (I go backward like the crab) encapsulates his inability to move forward, as he is constantly pulled back by memories of the past. The recurring theme of trying to forget but failing, as seen in 'soy ambidiestro para todo menos para olvidar' (I am ambidextrous for everything except forgetting), highlights the depth of his emotional struggle.

Noble also touches on the idea of self-deception and the difficulty of burying a love that still breathes. The protagonist's attempts to avoid confronting his pain are evident in lines like 'voy gambeteando los espejos' (I dodge the mirrors) to avoid seeing his lost love reflected everywhere. The song's melancholic tone is further emphasized by the imagery of 'trasnochar recuerdos' (staying up all night with memories) and 'demasiadas flores para tan poco jardín' (too many flowers for such a small garden), suggesting an overwhelming sense of loss and unfulfilled potential.

'Como El Cangrejo' is a poignant exploration of heartache, memory, and the often futile attempts to move on from a love that refuses to die. It captures the essence of lingering pain and the backward steps one takes when trying to navigate the aftermath of a broken relationship.