Algo Personal

Joan Manuel Serrat's song "Algo Personal" is a poignant critique of political hypocrisy and the deceitful nature of those in power. The lyrics paint a picture of individuals who, despite having seemingly innocent beginnings in their hometowns, grow up to become figures with dubious intentions, hiding behind a facade of honor and respectability. Serrat describes these individuals as 'hombres de paja' or straw men, who use their position and influence for nefarious purposes, leading double lives and acting as mercenaries of evil. The personal element that Serrat refers to is a deep-seated disdain for the actions and the false narratives these figures propagate.

The second verse delves into the public image these figures maintain, surrounded by security and pomp, while secretly engaging in slander and deceit. They spend excessively on espionage and weaponry, boasting about their power in a show of one-upmanship. Serrat criticizes their pretense of seeking peace while arming themselves to the teeth and shirking responsibility when things go awry, highlighting the personal conflict he feels towards their hypocrisy.

In the final verse, Serrat condemns the way these individuals trigger crises without regard for the consequences, breaking promises and threatening the innocent. They engage in conflict without getting their hands dirty and experiment with new methods of destruction. The artist emphasizes the disconnect between these figures and the reality of the world, particularly the innocence of children. Despite their destructive actions, they publicly advocate for dialogue and peace, which Serrat sees as a facade to build a false image of harmony. The song is a powerful statement against the duplicity of those in power and the personal affront Serrat feels towards their actions.