Malson Per Entregues

Joan Manuel Serrat's 'Malson Per Entregues' is a haunting narrative that delves into the psyche of a man tormented by recurring nightmares. The song begins with the protagonist recounting a dream where he is pursued by a menacing figure armed with a .38 revolver. This relentless chase through the cityscape, from rooftops to sewers, symbolizes an inescapable fear or guilt that haunts him. The dream escalates into violence, with the protagonist ultimately killing his pursuer, only to be further entangled in a web of crime and betrayal as his friend Pau appears to finish off the wounded man with a kitchen knife. This sequence of events suggests a deep-seated anxiety about trust and betrayal, possibly reflecting Serrat's own contemplations on human relationships and societal pressures.

The narrative continues with the protagonist waking up in distress, only to find that the nightmare persists. He and Pau are arrested and accused of being fanatics involved in a diabolical ritual murder. This part of the song highlights themes of paranoia and the fear of unjust persecution. The protagonist's sense of reality blurs as he is subjected to interrogation and imprisonment, further emphasizing the psychological torment he endures. The recurring motif of being trapped and unable to escape, whether from the pursuer in his dream or the legal system in his waking life, underscores a profound sense of helplessness and despair.

As the song progresses, the protagonist's wife decides they need psychiatric help, indicating a recognition of the mental toll these nightmares are taking. However, the nightmares continue to bleed into his waking life, culminating in a surreal encounter on a Greek ship where he is greeted by a figure resembling Charles Boyer. This final scene, with its mix of French dialogue and the promise of freedom, adds a layer of absurdity and surrealism to the narrative. It suggests that the protagonist's quest for liberation, whether from his nightmares or his existential fears, remains elusive. Serrat's use of vivid imagery and a narrative structure that blurs the lines between dream and reality creates a powerful commentary on the human condition, exploring themes of fear, guilt, and the search for freedom.