Capgros

Joan Manuel Serrat's song 'Capgros' is a vivid narrative that delves into themes of betrayal, guilt, and the haunting nature of past actions. The song is a conversation between the narrator and a character referred to as 'cabezón' (big head), reminiscing about a man they once abandoned in Marseille. This man, who fled with his wife on a Greek ship, was plagued by nightmares that ominously came true. The lyrics paint a picture of a life marred by fear and suffering, a stark contrast to the carefree existence of 'cabezón,' who enjoyed life's pleasures while evading the authorities.

The song's narrative takes a dramatic turn when the narrator encounters the abandoned man in La Boquería market. The man, now seeking revenge for the years of torment and abandonment, confronts the narrator with a knife. However, the confrontation is comically interrupted by a series of events involving a melon, a bolet (a type of mushroom), and a fish, which ultimately defuse the situation. This blend of dark themes with absurd humor is characteristic of Serrat's storytelling style, adding layers of complexity to the song.

As the story unfolds, the narrator reveals that the abandoned man's wife eventually left him, unable to cope with their tumultuous life. The man, now a shadow of his former self, is haunted by his past and seeks solace in the narrator's home. The song ends on a haunting note, with the man becoming a ghostly presence in the narrator's life, symbolizing the inescapable nature of guilt and the past. Serrat's 'Capgros' is a poignant exploration of how past actions can haunt individuals, blending humor and tragedy to create a compelling narrative.