Los Macarras De La Moral
Joan Manuel Serrat
The Moral Thugs: A Critique of Hypocrisy and Fear
Joan Manuel Serrat's song "Los Macarras De La Moral" is a powerful critique of those who impose moral standards on others while often being hypocritical themselves. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of these moral enforcers, who Serrat describes as relentless and manipulative, instilling fear from a young age with threats and warnings. Phrases like "If you don't eat your soup, the bogeyman will get you" and "Impure thoughts will make you blind" illustrate how fear is used as a tool to control behavior and enforce conformity.
Serrat uses a variety of metaphors to describe these figures, calling them the "salsa of the farce" and the "mecha of suspicion." These metaphors highlight their role in creating a climate of fear and mistrust. The song suggests that these moral enforcers thrive on the chaos and anxiety they create, positioning themselves as saviors while actually perpetuating harm. The repeated refrain underscores their pervasive influence, likening them to ghosts who are powerless without their shrouds of fear and deception.
The song also touches on the broader social implications of this moral policing. Serrat criticizes how these figures manipulate dreams and fears, knowing that fear is never innocent. He points out the dangers of blind obedience and the suppression of individual thought, warning that those who stray from the prescribed path face ostracism and punishment. The lyrics suggest that true freedom comes from rejecting these imposed moral standards and thinking for oneself, despite the risks involved.
"Los Macarras De La Moral" is a poignant commentary on the dangers of moral hypocrisy and the use of fear as a means of control. It calls for awareness and resistance against those who seek to manipulate and dominate through moralistic pretenses, urging listeners to reclaim their autonomy and question the motives behind imposed moralities.